JScreen, a national nonprofit public-health initiative dedicated to preventing genetic diseases and hereditary cancer, encourages the public to learn about triple-negative breast cancer.
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for approximately 10%-20% of breast cancer and is often aggressive and difficult to treat. Many cases are related to mutations in cancer susceptibility genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Genetic testing for these and other cancer-related genes can help prevent breast cancer or lead to early detection and more effective treatment.
JScreen’s mission is to make comprehensive cancer genetic testing and counseling easy, accessible and affordable. A unique feature of JScreen’s process is access to licensed genetic counselors who provide consults via phone or secure video conferencing. Genetic counselors help ensure that people understand their results and next steps so they can be proactive about their health.
Morgan Wade, a country music singer, learned that she was positive for a RAD51D gene mutation that put her at a higher risk (15%-30%) for triple negative and other types of breast cancer. There’s also a 10%-20% risk for ovarian cancer. She was 28 at the time and decided to undergo risk-reducing double mastectomy surgery. Wade’s mother, Robin Fonville, also tested positive for the RAD51D gene mutation and had prophylactic surgery as well. As Wade told Emily Goldberg a cancer genetic counselor at JScreen, “I did not realize how easy and simple it was to get genetic testing, and so now I recommend it to everyone to take control of their health.” You can view the video here: Morgan Wade, Robin Fonville, & JScreen’s Genetic Counselor on Life-Saving Cancer Genetic Testing (youtube.com).
According to Melissa Berry, board chair of the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, founder of Cancer Fashionista, and JScreen advocate, “I am living proof that genetic testing can save your life. If I didn’t get tested for the BRCA gene, I wouldn’t have been closely monitored and I wouldn’t have been diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at such an early stage. I consider myself very lucky and it’s my obligation to share this knowledge with as many women as I can,” Berry says. “My partnership with JScreen is a very natural one, as it underscores my passion for being proactive, knowing your family history, and ensuring that genetic testing is accessible to everyone.”
