March is Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS) Awareness Month, and jscreen—a national nonprofit public-health initiative—is spotlighting the importance of genetic testing in identifying hereditary cancer risks. With the powerful advocacy of Lainie Jones, a seven–time cancer survivor and passionate voice for early detection, jscreen aims to educate and empower individuals to take charge of their health.
Li-Fraumeni Syndrome is a rare genetic condition that significantly increases the risk of multiple cancer diagnoses throughout a person’s lifetime. Despite its rarity, affecting an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 Americans, its impact can be devastating without early intervention. Genetic testing, such as the hereditary cancer test accessible through jscreen, plays a crucial role in providing individuals with the knowledge they need to make proactive healthcare decisions.
“LFS Awareness Month is a time to share my story and encourage others to take charge of their health,” says Jones, associate director at the American Cancer Society and an advocate for hereditary cancer testing through jscreen. “I’ve been diagnosed with seven different cancers—adrenal, breast, thyroid, brain, melanoma, sarcoma, and most recently, lung cancer. Knowing I had LFS has been the key to staying ahead of this disease through regular screenings and early detection.”
Known as @theearlydetective on social media, Jones uses humor and optimism to navigate her health journey, proving that knowledge is power. “People may see me dancing, laughing and making light of my follow-up appointments, but behind the scenes, I’m doing everything I can to be proactive with my health,” she explains. “Hereditary cancer testing through jscreen gives people like me an accessible, at-home option to understand their hereditary cancer risks, empowering them to make proactive and often lifesaving decisions.”
Jscreen’s mission is to make comprehensive cancer genetic testing and counseling easy, accessible and affordable. It provides access to at-home saliva-based testing that utilizes state-of-the-art sequencing technology for accurate results, and licensed genetic counselors provide one-on-one guidance via phone or secure video conferencing to ensure individuals understand their results and next steps.
LFS Awareness Month is an opportune time to build awareness about genetic and cancer genetic testing and take action. By learning about genetic risks and testing options, individuals can take the first step in protecting their health.
To learn more about testing through jscreen, see: www.jscreen.org.