Why is breast cancer risk slightly higher among Jewish women than among other women in the US? According to the National Institutes of Health, this increased risk is likely due to the high prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations in Jewish women of Eastern European descent.

NorthShore University HealthSystem and the MRW Leadership Board recently hosted LIFE as a Pre-Vivor, a free workshop for those at greatest risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. The expert panel of surgeons, genetic counselors, and nurse practitioners discussed the risks associated with these genetic abnormalities, and considerations necessary to stay healthy.

As the second generation MRW Leadership Board focuses on educating and empowering those at hereditary risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, the first generation MRW Benefit Committee continues its 20-plus years of raising funds to support and educate patients.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Myra Rubenstein Weis lived for 10 years before the disease claimed her life in 1990. Her sister, Eileen Rubenstein Goldstein, and brother-in-law, Paul D. Goldstein, MD, continue to honor Myra’s life and her upbeat spirit by hosting an annual benefit luncheon with a group of dedicated volunteers and friends who plan the event. The May 3 ^rd luncheon honors Dr. Katharine Yao for her work and contributions as a breast surgeon at NorthShore. Dr. Michael Caplan serves as keynote speaker.

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