Sharsheret Responds to New American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines
Contact: Elana Silber, Executive Director
Telephone: 866.474.2774
E-Mail: [email protected]
Teaneck, New Jersey (October 23, 2015) – Earlier this week, the American Cancer Society published updated screening guidelines recommending that women at average risk for breast cancer begin regular annual screening with mammography at age 45 and screen every two years from age 55. Additionally, the guidelines suggest that women with a family history of breast cancer or those who carry a BRCA (breast cancer) gene mutation may need to begin screening between the ages of 40 and 44 and more frequently at age 55. For most of the women in the Sharsheret community – Jewish women of Ashkenazi descent – these guidelines do not apply. 1 in 40 Jewish women of Ashkenazi descent carries a BRCA gene mutation as compared to 1 in in 345 in the general population, making them at increased risk, not average risk.
Sharsheret recognizes that the continued changing of guidelines makes it confusing for women to understand when to screen and how often. We encourage all women, those at average risk and those at increased risk, to consult with their health care professionals about their personal risk and the most appropriate screening plan for them. For more information about screening guidelines and questions to discuss with your health care professional, contact Sharsheret’s support team at 866.474.2774 or [email protected].
About Sharsheret
Sharsheret, Hebrew for “chain”, is a national not-for-profit organization supporting young women and their families, of all Jewish backgrounds, facing breast cancer. Our mission is to offer a community of support to women diagnosed with breast cancer or at increased genetic risk, by fostering culturally-relevant individualized connections with networks of peers, health professionals, and related resources.
Since Sharsheret’s founding in 2001, we have responded to more than 54,500 breast cancer and ovarian cancer inquiries, involved more than 5,500 peer supporters, and presented over 250 educational programs nationwide annually. Sharsheret supports young Jewish women and families facing breast cancer at every stage – before, during, and after diagnosis. We help women and families connect to our community in the way that feels most comfortable, taking into consideration their stage of life, diagnosis, or treatment, as well as their connection to Judaism. We also provide educational resources, offer specialized support to those facing ovarian cancer or at high risk of developing cancer, and create programs for women and families to improve their quality of life. All Sharsheret programs are open to all women and men.
Sharsheret offers the following national programs:
The Link Program
• Peer Support Network, connecting women newly diagnosed or at high risk of developing breast cancer one-on-one with others who share similar diagnoses and experiences
• EmbraceTM, supporting women living with advanced breast cancer
• Genetics for Life®, addressing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer
• Thriving Again®, providing individualized support, education, and survivorship plans for young breast cancer survivors
• Busy Box®, for young parents facing breast cancer
• Best Face Forward®, addressing the cosmetic side effects of treatment
• Family Focus®, providing resources and support for caregivers and family members
• Ovarian Cancer Program, tailored resources and support for young Jewish women and families facing ovarian cancer
• Sharsheret SupportsTM, developing local support groups and programs
Education and Outreach Programs
• Health Care Symposia, on issues unique to younger women facing breast cancer
• Sharsheret on Campus, outreach and education to students on campus
• Sharsheret Educational Resource Booklet Series, culturally-relevant publications for Jewish women and their families and healthcare professionals