Thank you so much for addressing issues of privacy for those undergoing genetic testing in the article “Genes and Confidentiality” (June 2, 2022). When genetic testing happens with a genetic counselor, these important issues are discussed.

I would like to add that men are just as likely to carry a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 as women. Men may have an increased risk to develop prostate and male breast cancer. Men and women may have an increased risk for melanoma or pancreatic cancer. Women are just as likely to inherit a mutation from their father as from their mother.

Sharsheret is dedicated to providing support and educating the entire Jewish community about the importance of knowing your family history and understanding and accessing genetic testing and can even help find low-cost testing. If anyone has any questions about genetics, they can call and set up a time to speak with our genetic counselor, no fees, convenient, and completely confidential. Sharsheret also provides one-on-one peer support for those who are BRCA carriers, as well as a private Facebook group for those at risk for hereditary cancer. For information, you can call (866) 474-2774 or email [email protected].