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Genetic counseling and testing are crucial in understanding your genetic makeup, assessing risks, and making informed health decisions. Below are some valuable resources you can learn more about.
The Hamsa Wellness Community and Sharsheret
The J’s Hamsa Wellness Community is a community partner of the national Sharsheret organization. If you have a strong family history of cancer, have considered genetic counseling for yourself or your children, or have opted for genetic testing, we can help. Speak one-on-one with an experienced genetic counselor about your family history, concerns about cancer risk, and the implications of genetics for you and your family.
The Hamsa Wellness Community can provide a list of local genetic counselors.
Society for Genetic Counselors
The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) has a directory of over 3,300 genetic counselors (US and Canada).
Color
Provides convenient, accessible, and comprehensive cancer prevention and screening solutions for the highest-burden cancers including breast, prostate, lung, cervical, and colorectal for more than 150 million Americans who receive health care through either their employer or union.
JScreen CancerGEN
JScreen’s CancerGEN test analyzes 73 cancer-predisposition genes and is designed for individuals who are 21 and older. To view a complete list of genes on the CancerGEN panel, visit their website below.
FORCE (Facing our Risk of Cancer Empowered)
Mission is to improve the lives of individuals and families facing hereditary cancer.
BASSER CENTER for BRCA
Mission is to see a world free of the devastating effects of BRCA-related cancers.
The Hamsa Wellness Community is a cancer community program at the J and a community partner of the national nonprofit Sharsheret organization. The Hamsa Wellness Community educates individuals regarding hereditary cancer risks, especially individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, who have an increased risk of carrying a hereditary cancer gene mutation. The Hamsa Wellness Community also supports those facing a cancer diagnosis anywhere along their journey. The Hamsa Wellness Community is founded on five pillars: Connection, Hope, Education, Strength, and Support.
In partnership with the J’s Fitness team, the Hamsa Wellness Community offers programs like Yoga for Cancer, Strength Over Cancer, and Oncology Massage led by oncology-trained instructors and therapists. The Hamsa Wellness Community welcomes the full spectrum of diversity and supports all who reach out. These programs are available to J members and the public.
The Hamsa Wellness Community is founded on five pillars: Connection, Hope, Education, Strength, and Support. These pillars focus on the care of the whole person and provide those dealing with cancer diagnosis a community during what is often an extremely challenging time.
Contact
Debbi Braunstein, Hamsa Wellness Community Director
314.442.3266
Programs & Events
Beyond Breast Cancer: BRCA Gene Mutations and the Risk of Gastrointestinal, Pancreatic, and Skin Cancers
Thursday, May 22
5:30 Light Refreshments
6-7:30pm Program Q&A
The J – Mirowitz Performing Arts & Banquet Center
Certified genetic counselor(s) will discuss hereditary cancer and the crucial role of genetic counseling in understanding risks. Specialists in gastroenterology and dermatology will discuss how BRCA genes and other related genes may influence the risk for cancers beyond breast and gynecologic cancers, such as pancreatic cancer and melanoma. They will discuss methods of quantifying risk for these cancers, as well as effective screening programs to reduce the risk of developing these cancers.
Breast & Ovarian Cancer Monthly Support Group
This monthly group at the J provides support, connection and education to women in the St. Louis community who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer and are anywhere along their treatment path – before, during, or post treatment. The group periodically welcomes guests offering meaningful and relevant experiential activities. Facilitated by Kathy Bearman, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Newcomers (members and public) are always welcome along with female family and friends. A light kosher dinner is served.
Yoga for Cancer
Yoga for Cancer is a research-based specialized yoga methodology addressing the specific physical and emotional needs left by cancer and its treatments. This method is gentle and restorative and focuses on movement and breath and the special needs of current cancer patients and survivors. Trained teachers adapt this valuable methodology to all cancer types and stages.
Thursdays at 4-5:15pm taught by Stacia Hanna (Staenberg Family Complex/Creve Coeur)
This in-person class builds community and creates a safe space while being together with other class participants. In addition to focusing on movement and breath, provides hands-on instructional opportunities to modify the gentle and restorative poses to accommodate individual needs.
Oncology Massage
Oncology massage is a specialized, non-invasive therapy that helps one manage the symptoms of cancer and side effects of treatment. It uses a light touch along with slow, steady movements, and is intended to help the body relax. A safe massage plan generally revolves around the side effects (both short – and long-term) of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
60-minute oncology massages provided by licensed massage therapist properly trained in oncology.
Pricing
$70 per 60 minutes
Strength Over Cancer
Strength Over Cancer is a specialized fitness course for both cancer patients and those who have completed their treatment. As certified cancer exercise specialists, our instructors, who provide hands-on guidance needed by cancer patients and those who have completed treatment, are specifically trained to meet your unique needs in the short-term and long-term, through recovery and into survivorship. Even if you were not active before your cancer diagnosis, you will receive the help you need to build your strength and mobility safely and successfully.
Benefits
- Reduced treatment-related fatigue and improved sleep
- Improved overall physical ability
- Reduced muscle loss
- Build strength
- Improved balance and mobility
- Reduced anxiety and depression
- Improved sense of well-being
- Associated with better survival rates
This 11-week course will be FREE and open to both J members and the public, courtesy of The Hamsa Wellness Community and its partners. The course will begin in February and last through April. Classes are small (10 participants per 11 week course), and held in person at he J’s Staenberg Family Complex. To get more information or to sign up, email our Director of the Hamsa Wellness Community, Debbi Braunstein, at dbraunstein@jccstl.org. Participants must have a doctor’s note in order to participate.
Registration is now open for Strength Over Cancer 2, running March 4 – May 7! This 10-week, small group session is open to anyone who has completed the 11-week Strength Over Cancer course.
This course builds upon the foundation laid in the 11-week Strength Over Cancer course. Participants will engage in circuit training with carefully adapted exercises targeting key areas of fitness and functionality. One of our certified cancer exercise specialists will provide hands-on guidance in a small group setting, helping you safely perform each exercise and gradually improve your endurance and stability.
Participants will select their day/time for the duration of the course:
Tuesdays, 10-10:45am
Ria McCadney
March 4 – May 6
Wednesdays, 5-5:45pm
Andrew Francis
March 5 – May 7
Classes are held at the Staenberg Family Complex Signature Training Studio in Creve Coeur. Registration is required, and no drop-ins are allowed.
Strength Over Cancer 2 is FREE for J members, and only $50 for non-J Members.
Sharsharet National Resources
As a community partner of the national Sharsheret organization, we connect individuals to Sharsheret national so they can participate in a variety of free, individualized and confidential resources that include but are not limited to the following:
- Sharsharet has a clinical team of trained, skilled mental health professionals and genetic counselors to speak with privately at any point in your cancer journey.
- A peer support network connecting women newly diagnosed or at high risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer one-on-one with others who share similar diagnoses and experiences
- Program for parents facing breast cancer or ovarian cancer while raising children or teens
- Services and subsidies for eligible individuals for non-medical services that are critical to a woman’s quality of life and body image, and that are only partly covered by insurance companies, if at all
- Information and tailored resources for caregivers’ family members, and friends to help support their loved ones facing cancer
- Individualized support and survivorship kits for breast and ovarian cancer survivors
- Specialized support for individuals with advanced breast cancer and recurrent ovarian cancer
For a complete list of programs available through Sharsheret national, visit their website.