Document Detail


Ashkenazi Jews and breast cancer: the consequences of linking ethnic identity to genetic disease.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  17018815     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
We explored the advantages and disadvantages of using ethnic categories in genetic research. With the discovery that certain breast cancer gene mutations appeared to be more prevalent in Ashkenazi Jews, breast cancer researchers moved their focus from high-risk families to ethnicity. The concept of Ashkenazi Jews as genetically unique, a legacy of Tay-Sachs disease research and a particular reading of history, shaped this new approach even as methodological imprecision and new genetic and historical research challenged it. Our findings cast doubt on the accuracy and desirability of linking ethnic groups to genetic disease. Such linkages exaggerate genetic differences among ethnic groups and lead to unequal access to testing and therapy.
Authors:
Sherry I Brandt-Rauf; Victoria H Raveis; Nathan F Drummond; Jill A Conte; Sheila M Rothman
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't     Date:  2006-10-03
Journal Detail:
Title:  American journal of public health     Volume:  96     ISSN:  1541-0048     ISO Abbreviation:  Am J Public Health     Publication Date:  2006 Nov 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2006-10-25     Completed Date:  2006-11-06     Revised Date:  2010-09-16    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  1254074     Medline TA:  Am J Public Health     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  1979-88     Citation Subset:  AIM; IM    
Affiliation:
Center for the Study of Society and Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Breast Neoplasms / ethnology*,  genetics*
Female
Founder Effect
Genes, BRCA1
Genes, BRCA2
Genetic Predisposition to Disease / ethnology*
Genetic Research*
Genetic Testing
Genetics, Population*
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Jews / classification,  genetics*
Judaism
Mutation
Research Personnel
Social Identification*
Tay-Sachs Disease / ethnology,  genetics
Grant Support
ID/Acronym/Agency:
R01 HG002517-01AG/AG/NIA NIH HHS
Comments/Corrections

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