One Step Ahead: An Education and Support Group
for Women at High Risk for Cancer
The One Step Ahead Program
is an education and support group
for those who are genetically at
high risk for certain cancers, such
as breast, ovarian, colon or uterine
cancer. Created in 2003, the
program is as a way to provide
education and support to those at
high risk for breast cancer. It is
coordinated by Jill Siegfried, MS, a
genetic counselor and the Cancer
Risk Evaluation Program (CREP) Coordinator at Pennsylvania
Hospital and Helen Coons, PhD,
clinical psychologist.
“Dr. Coons and I work together
in coordinating and organizing the
program to create a relaxed and
comforting atmosphere,” says
Siegfried. “We encourage open
discussion among the participants
and provide insight and suggestions
when appropriate.”
Benefits of the program
include networking with others
facing similar issues and staying
up-to-date on new advances in the
field, including information about
screening techniques and medications
that may help reduce cancer risk.
The group
meets three times per year in the evening.
Each meeting begins with a light dinner
and introductions, followed by a
guest speaker and open discussion.
“The topics vary,
but all are specific to issues that women and
men at higher risk for cancer face,”
explains Siegfried. “Dr. Coons and
I encourage everyone to participate
in the discussions and to help one
another by sharing their personal
experiences or family member's
experiences.”
To learn more or to register
for the One Step Ahead Program,
call 215-829-6528.
To learn more, visit the Cancer
Risk Evaluation Program at Pennsylvania Hospital web site or call
800-789-PENN (7366).
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