Why Get Screened? 

 

Jews are at a significantly higher risk for carrying life-threatening genetic diseases and hereditary cancer gene mutations. The only way to identify carriers is to perform genetic testing. Through home mail-in kits and subsidized costs, JScreen Charleston makes screening accessible to all.

Our tradition teaches us that the preservation of human life, in Judaism called "pikuach nefesh," takes precedence over all the other commandments. Studies consistently showing that 2 in 3 Ashkenazi Jews is at risk for carrying a genetic disease that could impact their future children. Making these kits available and empowering our local Charleston Jewish Community members with information about their carrier can save lives.


The founder of JScreen, Randy Gold, is the son of Charleston natives Martin and Missy Gold. Randy's daughter, Eden, was diagnosed with ML4, a Jewish genetic disease for which the Gold family had thought they had been screened by their doctors. Now a young teenager, Eden has limited vision and is unable to walk or talk. Eden is the inspiration for JScreen.
 

Eden's Story

Missy Gold shares her granddaughter Eden's story at CJF's annual gathering for Women's Philanthropy.

Cancer Genetic Screening

Ashkenazi Jews are at increased risk to have mutations in certain cancer genes, and about 10% of all cancers are hereditary. You may want to consider cancer genetic testing – even if you are healthy – because the results may alert you to possible cancer risks before symptoms develop. Those who test positive may take steps to prevent cancer from developing, or to detect it at an early, treatable stage. Click here to learn more about cancer genetic screening through JScreen.

Reproductive Genetic Screening

The Jewish community is at a higher risk for carrying certain genetic diseases including Gaucher Disease (1 in 16), Cystic Fibrosis (1 in 27), and Tay-Sachs (1 in 30), among many others. Reproductive carrier screening can help determine an individual or couple’s risk of having a child with an inherited genetic disease.

Click here to learn more about reproductive genetic testing through JScreen.

These kits are subsidized thanks to generous contributors to the Charleston Jewish Federation's Genetic Health Testing Fund. To pay it forward and make a gift towards the cost of a JScreen kit for someone else, please click here. 

Use code "CJFCARES150"

to receive the following discounts:

 

  • ReproGEN reproductive genetic screening: $0 (normally $149) 

 

  • CancerGEN cancer genetic screening: $49 (normally $199)

 

  • ReproGEN and CancerGEN combo: $149  (normally $299)

 

*Program fees listed are based on individuals who provide any health insurance information (regardless of coverage or deductibles).

 

*Individuals without health insurance can use the code listed above and then apply for financial aid on the checkout page to cover the price difference.

 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Erin Boynton with any questions.

How to get screened:

 

 

  • Use code "CJFCARES150" at checkout.

 

  • Be sure to open all secure email communications from Jscreen and follow the instructions provided.

 

  • When all information is received, a kit will be shipped to your address.

 

  • Collect your saliva sample and send it to the lab using the pre-paid packaging provided.

 

  • Receive your results in 2-4 weeks via a telehealth appointment with a genetic counselor.

Who qualifies for subsidized screening?

 

Screening through JScreen Charleston is available for all individuals and couples living in the Lowcountry and seeking knowledge about their genetic risks. This includes individuals with a known Jewish background, those who are unsure of their Jewish ancestry, all denominations, interfaith couples, and LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. The reproductive screening is for individuals ages 18-45 and the cancer genetic screening is for ages 21 and up.


Click here to request your screening kit with JScreen Charleston.

 

Donate to JScreen Charleston and help save lives by providing detection for preventable hereditary cancers and genetic diseases.

 

Need other support or resources? Reach out to Erin Boynton.


JScreen Charleston is powered by The Charleston Jewish Federation and our generous donors.