You

THANK

risk of developing cancer. A small per-
centage of cancers can be linked to
hereditary genetic factors. The BRCA1
and BRCA2 breast cancer genes, for
example, explain why some families
have women in every generation who
get breast cancer at relatively early ages.
In the Ashkenazi Jewish population,
2.6 percent carry the BRCA1 or
BRCA2 mutation, compared to .1 to
.2 percent of the general population.
"That's still very low, but in the
Detroit area alone, it means over 1,600
individuals are affected," said Gold.
Genetic counselors assess risk by
doing a detailed family medical history.
They can then offer advice about
genetic testing, cancer screening and
risk reduction, and information about
the latest research.

All of us at Tapper
thank you for your generous support
and giving spirit
during this year's Coat Drive.

From October 22 through November 21
over 1,100 coats were donated.

All the coats, hats and gloves will be
distributed by the Orchards Childrens Services,
the Baldwin Church Clothes Closet,
and the Grace Center for Hope.

Thanks to The Jewish Academy,
and the Eighth Grade Class of Hillel Day School
for their contribution.

Counseling Benefits

The main benefit of genetic counseling
is that it can lead people to take steps
that will reduce their risks of getting
cancer, said Gold. But testing carries its
own risks. Many people fear it will lead
to discrimination, particularly by
health insurance providers.
Shirley Blumberg, chair of
Hadassah's National American
Affairs/Domestic Policy Department,
noted that Michigan has a law prevent-
ing genetic discrimination, but stressed
the need for national legislation.
Insurance carriers are lobbying against
it, she said. She urged the audience to
contact their legislators and voice their
concern.
Rabbi Herbert Yoskowitz of Adat
Shalom Synagogue discussed genetic
testing and gene therapy from a Jewish
ethical perspective. Jewish scholars
have been interested in genetics since
talmudic times, he said. He sees no
problem with genetic testing or gene
therapy designed to prevent or cure
diseases, and said rabbis should
encourage engaged couples to be test-
ed. But genetic engineering designed to
affect non-health factors, such as eye
color or height, or intended to change
a person's intelligence or personality,
would not be permitted by Jewish law
The final speaker, Detroit News
columnist George Cantor, spoke of his
personal experience with Type
1 Gaucher disease, a genetic enzyme
deficiency that can cause debilitating
and life-threatening problems in organs
and bones. Cantor, who had no symp-
toms, was diagnosed at the age of 56
after a routine physical showed an
enlarged spleen. Four years later, he is
being treated with twice-monthly
enzyme inftisions and continues to feel
fine.

riT

Mark th e - Moment TM
Serving the community since 1977

Orchard Mall . West Bloomfield . 248-932-7700

American-Mouse — West B ~O Omfield
Offers New Options in Senior Living
Our New UnbundTh c 1 Services

O Efficiencies, 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments
with kitchens

O Recreational, Cultural and Social Activities
O Continental Breakfast
O Impeccable Housekeeping
O Laundry & Linen Services
O Fitness Center
O 24-Hour Emergency Response
O Handicapped Units Available

Furnishe
Respite
Apartme nts
Available

Optional Services Available

0 Homemade Lunch & Dinner Meals
0 Personal Laundry
0 Personal Assistance
0 Barber and Beauty Shop

Please Calf About Our Affordable Rates
248-538-5283

a

ust

est Of Orcharrt La

!

117
2001

117