Cancer survivor Fran Drescher backs nonprofit’s ‘easy’ at-home genetic testing kits that aim to save lives

Hollywood actress Fran Drescher has teamed up with a nonprofit to speak up about the importance of genetic testing to help prevent and detect cancer.
“Did you know that 1 in 12 adults has a genetic cancer risk? Well, thanks to our partner JScreen, you can get proactive about your health,” Drescher, 65, says in a new video.
Drescher, best known for her role on the ‘90s sitcom “The Nanny,” is a cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2000, only after the eighth doctor she saw in a two-year period performed a biopsy. She then underwent an immediate radical hysterectomy.
Actress Fran Drescher founded the Cancer Schmancer movement after her uterine cancer diagnosis in 2000 – Source: Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA
Drescher, who is currently in remission, later formed the Cancer Schmancer movement and continues to advocate for cancer prevention and detection. That’s why she’s teamed up with the Jewish nonprofit organization JScreen to help people make informed choices to reduce their cancer risk.
“It’s been amazing to have Fran and Cancer Schmancer’s support!” Karen Arnovitz Grinzaid, JScreen’s executive director, told Lifestylogy. “We’ve been working together for over a year and hope to continue partnering together to save more lives through genetic testing!”
“Knowledge is power. With an understanding and awareness of their cancer risks and available options, individuals can work with their healthcare provider on the next steps. JScreen offers convenient and affordable access to cancer genetic testing across the U.S. and helps saves lives.”

The national nonprofit offers its CancerGEN tests for anyone age 21 or older. For $199, people can register for test kits on the J Screen Website, collect a saliva sample at home, and send their sample to the lab. Genetic counselors provide results via phone or secure video conferencing within three weeks.
Drescher called the process “so easy.”
“Do the saliva test at home and the results are provided via Telehealth,” Drescher explains. “Once you know your risk then you can take steps to reduce your risk of getting sick. Catch it on arrival, 90% survival. That’s what we say at Cancer Schmancer!”
The CancerGEN panel includes 63 genes associated with hereditary risks for over 40 kinds of cancer, including breast, prostate, colorectal, ovarian, melanoma, and more.
Karen Grinzaid is assistant professor of human genetics at Emory University School of Medicine and executive director of JScreen, a national online genetic disease screening program based out of Emory University School of Medicine – Source: JScreen.org
According to JScreen, statistics show that roughly half of all men and one-third of all women are likely to develop cancer in their lifetime. Up to 10% of these cancers are related to mutations in cancer genes passed down in families.
“Cancer genetic testing is important because it gives the individual a heads up about their hereditary cancer risk. Armed with that information, they can take action to help prevent cancer or to detect it at an early, treatable stage,” Grinzaid said.
Fran Drescher wrote a memoir about her cancer survival journey titled Cancer Schmancer, the same name of her foundation – Source: Jeff Malet Photography/Newscom/The Mega Agency
Grinzaid added that the tests are especially beneficial for individuals whose families have a history of cancer.
“If you have cancer in your family, genetic testing can help determine whether you are at an increased risk so you can be proactive about your health. Having this information can be life-saving,” the genetics professor added.
For more information go to jscreen.org