On a recent Thursday evening, 11 SAR HS students, accompanied by Tobie Brandriss and Bob Goodman, science department chairs, had the privilege of attending an On the Brink panel discussion at the 92nd Street Y entitled, “Knowledge is Power: Understanding and Managing BRCA-Related Cancer Risk.”

BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations greatly increase the risk of breast, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancers. Jews of Ashkenazic ancestry are disproportionately impacted, but anyone can be affected and pass on the gene mutations, including men. The students heard from leaders in the field of hereditary cancers.

Joan Lunden, an award winning journalist and health and wellness advocate, moderated the discussion. The speakers were Susan Domchek, MD, executive director of Penn Medicine’s Basser Center for BRCA, Dr. Mark Robson of Memorial Sloan Kettering’s, community educator Nicole Schreiber-Agus, PhD. and author Elizabeth Wurtzel.

The panel members raised many of the issues involved in testing for BRCA and involved some heated back and forth discussion. SAR is so grateful that the 92nd Street Y has made possible for its students to attend this enriching event. Some students expressed how much they appreciated being there:

“I truly enjoyed attending the BRCA gene talk at the 92 Street Y. It was amazing to hear from physicians and researchers who are top people in their respective fields. I now understand the prevalence of the BRCA gene in our world and specifically in the Ashkenazi community. Hearing how complex the issue is…was quite surprising. So many factors, such as insurance, privacy, children and religion all tie into this. It … was both a highly educational and enjoyable experience,” said Yonatan Perla.

Amalia Stulbach noted, “ I liked how it wasn’t just one doctor talking to us, but three and two women who have been or are cancer patients. A memory that will stay with me is when Tia and I spoke to Dr. Domcheck. We asked her questions that applied to what were are learning in science and to the discussion. She responded on our level, and when we were done talking she told us to stay in school and to keep learning.”

“I was really glad I went because I learned about something I otherwise wouldn’t have had exposure to… I loved Elizabeth Wurtzel,” said Gabriella Mogilner.

“I am glad that I went to the BRCA gene talk … It was very informative about the danger of the BRCA gene and that it is important to be tested for it…It was interesting to hear about the different views everyone had, and if there were to be a follow up talk about the gene, I would definitely want to go,” said Lucy Hecht.

By Tobie Brandriss and Bob Goodman, Science Dept Chairs