You can, but there are a few considerations prior to registering.

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While genetic testing can help clarify a person’s risk to develop certain cancers, it can also have potential emotional, social, and financial implications. For many cancer types (although not all), changes in medical care due to a positive result may not begin until age 25 or older; knowing one is positive before then may induce stress and anxiety and could be an emotional burden. In addition, there may be additional considerations for future life and disability insurance eligibility.

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Some people who test positive at a younger age might still find this information to be helpful (for family planning, to screen for cancers that might affect them at a younger age, to inform family members, etc.) It's important to consider testing based on your specific family history, including the ages at which cancer has occurred and/or if there is a known genetic mutation.

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To learn more, please click HERE to watch our educational video or HERE to contact our genetic counselors.

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In most cases, no. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) is a federal law that protects individuals from genetic discrimination in health insurance and in most places of employment.

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Under this law, it is illegal for health insurance companies to increase premiums, alter coverage, or deny coverage based on genetic testing results. Some members of the military and federal government are not covered under GINA but have similar protections.

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‍GINA also makes it illegal for employers with 15 or more employees to consider your genetic testing results when making decisions about hiring, firing, or promoting. GINA does not apply to life insurance, long-term care insurance, and other types of insurance.

Please visit www.ginahelp.org and the National Human Genome Research Institute website for more information on the laws in your state.

Genetic counselors are board-certified clinical professionals trained to break down complex genetic information and provide emotional support, guidance, and resources to patients and families as they navigate genetic testing and decision making.

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We recommend a genetic counseling appointment for all participants coming through JScreen to provide personalized, expert guidance on your genetic testing results and next steps. This session will help you understand your risks and offer valuable support in making informed decisions about your health and family planning. A genetic counselor will address any questions or concerns you may have, ensuring you fully understand the significance of the results for you and your family.

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Yes. Preconception carrier screening is recommended for Jewish individuals of all backgrounds. This includes individuals of Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish descents, whose ancestors populated many diverse countries in Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East following dispersion from Israel in ancient times.

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The carrier screening panel includes testing for more than 260 genetic diseases that are commonly found in people with many different backgrounds. Therefore, it is valuable for anyone planning a pregnancy.

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Your doctor may be able to order testing, but here are some things to consider:

• Genetic counselors are specially trained to interpret complex genetic data and provide personalized guidance on test results, risks, and next steps. Unlike most physicians, genetic counselors focus solely on genetics and can offer in-depth explanations, help navigate emotional or familial concerns, and ensure that you fully understand the implications of the results for your health and family planning. 

• There are many types of genetic tests on the market and a genetics specialist  can assist in selecting the most appropriate tests based on your personal and family history.

All jscreen participants are offered and encouraged to speak with a genetic counselor to review their results and and receive a personalized care plan

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