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January 17, 2003/Shevat 14 5763, Vol. 55, No. 21
Lecture focuses on Jewish genetics and cancer
JESSICA BARBER
Staff Writer
Ashkenazic Jewish women may be at a greater risk for breast or ovarian cancer than other ethnic groups, according to research presented by scientists and medical doctors since the late 1980s.
This phenomenon will be the subject of a lecture sponsored by the Sisterhood of Temple Solel on Jan. 21, featuring Dr. Coral Quiet, a radiation oncologist and the medical director of the Genetics Risk Assessment Program at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center in Scottsdale.
The lecture will cover a basic understanding of the role of genetics in inherited cancers, genetic testing, at-risk women and insurance discrimination.
"All Jewish women need to know about this," says Elizabeth Teitel, a longtime member of Temple Solel and co-chairwoman of the event. "For most women, the topic of genetics is going to be a new topic. They will come away learning something."
Although inherited breast cancer accounts only for a small percentage of those affected, two potentially problematic genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, have a higher occurrence in Ashkenazic Jewish women, says Quiet. The higher probability is due to the population of Ashkenazic Jews being historically genetically isolated, Quiet explains.
"Based on what has happened historically, we see a higher risk for getting breast and ovarian cancer in the (Ashkenazic Jewish) population than we do in the average Anglo-American," says Quiet.
She plans to cover not only the genetic role of cancer in Jewish women in the upcoming lecture, but also the decisions and treatments available for those at risk.
"There is a 50/50 chance you will inherit the gene if one of your parents has it," says Quiet. "If we can test you and tell you that you don't have the gene, then we can reassure the woman that her risk of getting breast or ovarian cancer is that of the general population."
Those who test positive for the gene, says Quiet, can begin to look at ways to reduce the risk of getting the disease.
During the lecture, Quiet will explain counseling sessions available to at-risk women, testing methods including ultrasounds, MRI screenings, national trials available to those affected and surgical procedures.
"Hopefully we can help women understand that there is this disease process out there that they may be more predisposed to," says Quiet. "Also (it may help women) begin to make decisions as to whether they want to pursue testing and what the benefits would be to them."
Quiet has lectured locally and nationally on the topic of breast cancer and published two scientific papers on the natural history of breast cancer in 1995 and 1996. She completed an internship and residency in general surgery at the University of Chicago Hospital and Clinics and her residency in radiation and cellular oncology at Michael Reese/University of Chicago Center for Radiation Therapy. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. She has been practicing in Scottsdale for nine years.
The Solel Sisterhood feels that holding the free lecture is a service to the community.
"I went to hear (Quiet) speak at a program about six months ago," remembers Teitel. "I was very impressed with her intelligence, experience and passion for this topic. Dr. Quiet has much to offer us in terms of information."
Teitel estimates 300 participants will attend the event.
Details
- What: "What every Jewish woman needs to know about the genetics of breast cancer"
- Who: Temple Solel Sisterhood
- When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21
- Where: Temple Solel Sanctuary, 6805 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley
- Call: 602-952-1811 or 480-991-3691
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