GeneticsAmong Jewish people there are certain genetic diseases occurring more frequently. There are nearly 4,000 genetic diseases known that afflict the world’s population. Certain genetic diseases occur at higher frequencies among certain ethnic, racial, or demographic groups.

Some disorders tend to be more common among Ashkenazi Jews because today's Ashkenazi Jews descended from a small group of founders. And for centuries, for political and religious reasons, Ashkenazi Jews were genetically isolated from the population at large.

Most Common Jewish Genetic Disorders:

Genetic Predisposition

  • Familial Colon Cancer
  • Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (BRCA1 and BRCA2)
  • Ulcerative Colitis Crohn's Disease