Oneinforty Launches to Educate and Support Jews at High Risk of Hereditary Cancer

ACTON, Mass., Oct. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Lauren Corduck is a 46-year old ovarian cancer survivor. She is BRCA positive. She is of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. She lost her grandmother to breast cancer. And she has started a new organization called Oneinforty with the mission to make Ashkenazi Jews aware of their increased risk of inheriting a cancer-causing BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, educate them on resources including genetic counseling, and support them emotionally as they face their risk.

The risk among the public of having a BRCA gene mutation is approximately one in 400. For those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, the risk is ten times higher or one in 40. Having a BRCA gene mutation puts one at significantly higher risk of developing hereditary breast, ovarian and prostate cancer.

Lauren founded Oneinforty because she, like most people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, was unaware of this risk. Shortly after learning she is BRCA+, she received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. As Lauren explains, "I am now in remission and on a mission.  Oneinforty educates and empowers those at risk of a BRCA gene mutation to advocate for their health, and in turn, educate and empower others to advocate for their health."

"We are delighted that Oneinforty is taking on the important problem of reducing BRCA cancer in individuals of Eastern European Jewish heritage. Forewarned is forearmed, and Oneinforty is trying to make it easier for people to learn of their risk before cancer strikes. A Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center research study called BRCA Founder Outreach Study (BFOR) will offer 1000 people of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry in the Boston area testing for the BRCA genes. We are pleased to be collaborating with Oneinforty to spread awareness and make testing more available to the Jewish community," said Judy E. Garber, MD, MPH, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Nadine Tung, MD, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Oneinforty has assembled a stellar medical advisory board of experts in oncology, psychiatry, social work, genetic counseling, primary care medicine, and clinical research. Oneinforty also has a National Ambassador Corps of passionate volunteers who are dedicated to advancing the organization's mission.

Oneinforty will host symposia in Massachusetts, and eventually nationally. The first symposium, "Knowledge is Empowering: Understanding the Jewish-Cancer Connection" takes place November 9 in Concord. This event is co-sponsored by Congregation Kerem Shalom and Hadassah, free of charge and open to the public. Register here.

About Oneinforty

Founded in 2017 by Lauren Corduck, Oneinforty is dedicated to stopping BRCA-related cancer in its tracks by raising awareness among Ashkenazi Jews of their high risk of inheriting cancer-causing BRCA gene mutations and providing the support needed to face this risk, prevent cancer and detect cancer early. Learn more at www.oneinforty.org.

Media Contact:

Helen Shik
Shik Communications
617-510-4373
[email protected]

SOURCE Oneinforty

Related Links

http://www.oneinforty.org