BRCA: The Breast Cancer Gene

Life comes with many challenges. The ones that should not scare us are the ones we can take on and take control of - Angelina Jolie

BRCA: The Breast Cancer Gene
BRCA: The Breast Cancer Gene

image by: CDC Breast Cancer

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Is Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer Right for You?

For most women, the average risk of developing breast cancer is about 12 percent. However, if you have a mutation on either of the two most common genes associated with breast cancer — BRCA1 and BRCA2 — that risk can jump as high as 80 percent. While it’s natural to wonder if you might have inherited an abnormal BRCA gene from one of your parents, it’s also important to remember that only about 5-10 percent of breast cancers are due to hereditary mutations; the overwhelming majority of women with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. That’s why genetic testing is recommended only for people whose family history or other factors…

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 Is Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer Right for You?

Knowing that you have a genetic mutation for breast cancer empowers you to make an informed decision about how to reduce your risk. If you don’t have breast cancer but find out you have an abnormal BRCA gene, one option is to have a double mastectomy (surgical removal of both breasts) as a preventive measure (as actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie did a few years ago). Another, equally valid, option is to be followed much more closely, with the goal of catching cancer early should it develop.

Blogging BRCA

The BRCA experience in real time.

BrCa

Blog on risk, cancer and anxiety.

BRCAUmbrella

Support when you need it.

Breaking BRCA

This blog is intended to offer support to other carriers, foster awareness and acceptance of preventative options, generate discussion on public health issues, and keep friends and family in the loop...

FORCE

FORCE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

My Journey With Brca1

If you get tested and you're negative then it is one less thing to worry about. If you are positive the doctors will watch you like a hawk. Don't worry about making any decisions-everyone has a different situation, "journey" I like to say. This is just mine. More to come.

Wearing my BRCA genes

The skinny on being a young breast cancer survivor and carrier of the BRCA1 gene mutation.

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