Every May, Mother’s Day provides an opportunity for children and adults alike to honor the remarkable women who raised them and brought them into the world. May is also Women’s Health Awareness Month, educating women across the globe on common health risks and reminding them to be proactive in their healthcare decisions. For prospective mothers, it’s the perfect time to learn more about their own risks and reproductive risks, arming them with the knowledge and tools they need to support their own health and the health of their future children.
jscreenⓇ is a national public health initiative that offers access to affordable, at-home reproductive genetic testing and hereditary cancer genetic testing, and to licensed genetic counselors who help individuals understand their results and plan next steps. It’s a simple, empowering way for women to protect their health and that of their families.
“Mother’s Day is a celebration of nurturing, protecting, and planning for the future—and genetic testing is part of that,” said Karen Grinzaid, MS, CGC, Founding Executive Director of jscreen. “We want every woman to know that understanding your genetic risks can be a powerful act of self-care and a gift to future generations.”
jscreen offers access to at-home genetic testing kits, giving women insight into important health information at an affordable price. The process is easy: by visiting jscreen.org, one can purchase a test kit, complete the saliva collection in the comfort of one’s own home, and send it to the testing laboratory for analysis. Results will be delivered alongside expert support from a licensed genetic counselor that will offer guidance on next steps.
The Reproductive Carrier Screen evaluates hundreds of genetic conditions that could impact an individual or couple’s future children. These include conditions such as Tay-Sachs, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell disease that are common in individuals of different backgrounds. By evaluating the risk for having a child with a genetic disease, this test can help prospective parents understand options and plan for the health of their future children.
The Hereditary Cancer Test identifies over 40 genes associated with increased risk for 11 different types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, colorectal and others. Knowing one’s hereditary cancer risk is an important tool in the prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer. Not only will this testing help identify a woman’s own risk of developing cancer – it also identifies risks that could impact her children or other family members.
jscreen also offers a Combo Bundle that includes both tests at a discounted rate, giving women an understanding of their own genetic risks and allowing them to grow their families with better peace of mind. No matter which test one chooses, jscreen offers continuing support, education, and guidance along the way.
Let this Mother’s Day be a reminder of the importance of genetic testing in one’s personal health journey and family planning strategy. Reproductive carrier screening and hereditary cancer testing can be life-savings. Through education, awareness, and action, jscreen is hoping to help women everywhere take charge of their health and reduce their risk of passing on genetic risks to their children. For more information about how to order a testing kit today, visit jscreen.org.
About jscreenⓇ
jscreen is a national non-profit public health initiative dedicated to preventing genetic diseases. The jscreen program provides convenient at-home access to cutting-edge genetic testing technology, patient education, and genetic counseling services. jscreen believes the combination of education, access to premier genetic screening technologies, and personalized, confidential support are the keys to preventing devastating diseases. Please visit jscreen.org for more information.
Barbara Jacoby is an award winning blogger that has contributed her writings to multiple online publications that have touched readers worldwide.