Sunday Speaker Topic:
Cancer Prevention & Precision Medicine: The Power of Cancer Genetic Counseling
Description:
Cancer is the risk of being human. However, not all of us are truly considered at “general population risk” for cancer and our current screening guidelines are insufficient for those at a higher risk. Shea will establish a foundational understanding of cancer, how it forms, and the many factors within and outside of our control. We then will explore how cancer genetic counseling and testing can offer invaluable insight into genetic predispositions, potentially enabling the prevention of cancer and enhancement of early detection.
An example of a common hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes is Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition associated with an increased risk for multiple cancer types, affects approximately 1 in 300 individuals in the United States. 95% of those affected by this condition are unaware of their diagnosis, resulting in missed opportunities for comprehensive screenings, preventative surgeries, and participation in clinical trials. We will examine a groundbreaking example of precision medicine in oncology, where all study participants have achieved complete remission thanks to our understanding of cancer genetics.
By empowering individuals with knowledge, facilitating proactive interventions, and advancing research endeavors, we can forge a path toward a future where cancer is most often prevented or cured. Join us to discover if you or your loved ones could benefit cancer genetic counseling!
Bio:
Shea Smith, MS, CGC, is a genetic counselor who specializes in oncology. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology and her Master of Science in Genetic Counseling at the University of Arizona in Tucson. She helps individuals and their family members assess for an inherited risk for cancer, provides support throughout the genetic testing process, and guides medical management following a test result. Shea started at HonorHealth in August of 2021 and now serves as the lead genetic counselor of the genetics department. Passionate about building community, Shea leads an advocacy and support group here in Phoenix for individuals with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, known as the BRCAteers. Additionally, she chairs Honor In Pride, a people resource group dedicated to creating a culture that supports and celebrates all members of the LGBTQIA+ community both within and beyond HonorHealth.
Please Note:
Doors open at 9:00 am for optional buffet breakfast ($5 donation) and socializing. Speaker program begins at 10:00 am.
Important: $5 breakfast fee waived for awesome humans bringing in food to share!
If you can help with set-up, clean-up, and/or by bringing a breakfast casserole, please go to SignUpGenius HERE
A Children's Program is available during the Speaker Meeting. Go to a separate Meetup to RSVP for your kids HERE.
Prefer to join us remotely?
- Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84760042087?pwd=YnpQVml5LzllV1Y1QWM1ZVBDRXJudz09
- YOUTUBE: You can watch live (15 second delay), or you can watch later. LINK HERE
Need help? Email humanist@hsgp.org before the day of this meeting.
The Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix presents its Sunday Speaker meetings twice a month on Sunday mornings. Meetings are free and open to the public.
**Go to our YouTube channel to see past meetings, presentations and and interviews. Please become a subscriber--it's free! LINK HERE
**We invite you to become a dues-paying member of HSGP. To become a member or make a donation, go to www.hsgp.org
HSGP HUMANIST CENTER
MESA, AZ 85201-4009
United States