The vast majority of American Jewish families are of Eastern European (Ashkenazic) descent and therefore, are at increased risk of a number of genetic diseases which are more prevalent among Ashkenazic Jews. Most people do not know that 1 in 25 Ashkenazic Jews is a carrier of the Tay-Sachs gene and that, if both parents of a newborn are carriers, there is a 25% chance that the baby will be afflicted with this fatal disease. Likewise, 1 in 25 Ashkenazic Jews is a carrier of the Cystic Fibrosis gene; almost 1 in 10 is a carrier of the gene for Gaucher Disease. There is a need to encourage screening of young Jewish couples who may be unaware of these diseases, their genetic character and the availability of screening tests to determine carrier status.

 

 

Screening results for Phoenix area participants since 2005 have yielded a rate of 19% positive for the gene mutations that cause these diseases. Yes… one in five individuals who have been screened has been positive for one or more Jewish genetic disease mutations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Screenings for nine of the most frequently found Jewish genetic diseases gene mutations are offered twice a year. Test results are provided only to the individual who is screened, thereby providing greater confidentiality than screening paid by insurance companies. To make this screening affordable, the Jewish Genetic Diseases Center of Greater Phoenix seeks donations.

To learn more about this topic and to register for the next carrier screening event.

Visit the Jewish Genetic Diseases Center of Greater Phoenix website at http://www.jewishgeneticsphx.org/

For information, contact info@jewishgeneticsphx.org or call 480-668-3347.