New For You: Updates in Testing and Treatment Options for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Contact: Elana Silber, Executive Director
Telephone: 866.474.2774
Email: [email protected]
Teaneck, New Jersey (November 2, 2015) – Sharsheret, a national not-for-profit organization supporting young women and their families, of all Jewish backgrounds, facing breast cancer and ovarian cancer will present a free, national webinar, “New For You: Updates in Testing and Treatment Options for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer” on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, 8:00 p.m. (EST).
The webinar features Sheila Solomon, MS, LGC, Sharsheret’s Genetics Program Coordinator, who will present critical updates from the National Society of Genetic Counselor’s 34th Annual Education Conference including information about panel testing, population-wide screening, and the newest research in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer genetics. Additionally, Shera Dubitsky, MEd, MA, Director of Navigation and Support Services at Sharsheret, will highlight the unique genetic concerns of Jewish women and families, and a Sharsheret volunteer will share her personal story. A live question and answer session will follow the presentations.
“Women, including breast and ovarian cancer survivors, and those at high risk, from all across the country, reach out to Sharsheret with their personal, pressing questions regarding genetic counseling and testing,” said Director of Support Programs Adina Fleischmann. “As the field continues to grow and evolve and new testing and treatment options become available, Sharsheret’s Genetics Program Coordinator, Sheila Solomon, will discuss critical updates about hereditary breast and ovarian cancer genetics that all women in our community need to know.”
To register for the upcoming webinar and for log-on instructions, visit www.sharsheret.org or call toll-free 866.474.2774. This webinar is made possible with generous support from AstraZeneca and the Cooperative Agreement DP14-1408 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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 45,000 breast cancer inquiries, involved more than 4,200 peer supporters, and presented over 250 educational programs nationwide. 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’s 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