*I received $150 from AstraZeneca, and any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual experience. This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/AstraZeneca.
As many of you know, I have been a Leukemia Survivor for the past almost eight years. Throughout this time, one of the things that I have maintained as a Survivor is the importance of advocating for your health and of early detection when it comes to cancer.
In today’s modern medical times, getting treatment early on, and taking advantage of modern detection and treatment options, can mean the difference between life and death. When faced with such a serious health crisis, it is normal to be afraid and to break down but, after that, you have to move forward and fight the good fight.
Many of you are probably not aware of the fact that there is a test you can take that can identify whether you are at a higher risk for a gene mutation that is commonly associated with breast and ovarian cancer. Being armed with knowledge about your BRCA status can assist you in making important decisions about cancer treatments that are currently available.
What is a BRCA gene?
In laymen’s terms, BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes that are involved with cell growth, cell division, and cell repair. These two genes are most commonly linked to BReast CAncer and approximately 15% of women with ovarian cancer also have BRCA gene mutations.
Who should get tested for the BRCA gene?
You don’t have to worry because the test is simple and easy. Your physician or lab can take a blood or saliva sample from you. Additionally, this test is usually covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance carriers that cover BRCA testing for women with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
Certain mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 can impact how both you and your physician choose to treat ovarian cancer. It is recommend that all women with epithelial ovarian cancer be considered for BRCA testing.
Key BRCA Facts:
- Women with BRCA gene mutations have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
- In the general population, 1.4 percent4 of women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, while up to 40 percent of women with BRCA 1/2 mutations will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in their lifetime.
- An estimated 15% of ovarian cancers are linked to BRCA mutations.1,2
- BRCA gene mutations can play a key role in serous ovarian cancer, the most common form of ovarian cancer.
- Nearly one half of women with ovarian cancer who are BRCA-positive have no significant family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
Share Information:
Do you know a woman who has been diagnosed with or is at risk for developing ovarian cancer? You can support her by visiting MyOCjourney.com, which provides information about diagnosis, BRCA gene testing, treatment plans, and support networks that are essential to these women now and can help inform more women as to what they need to know about BRCA and ovarian cancer.
Let’s Discuss: How has ovarian cancer, or cancer in general, impacted you or your family?
Disclosure: I received $150 from AstraZeneca, and any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual experience. This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/AstraZeneca. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
References:
1. Pal T, Permuth-Wey J, Betts JA, et al. BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations account for a large proportion of ovarian carcinoma cases. Cancer. 2005;104(12):2807-2816.
2. National Cancer Institute. BRCA1 and BRCA2: Cancer risk and genetic testing. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA. Accessed June 2, 2014.
3. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast and Ovarian. Version 4;2013.2
4. National Cancer Institute. BRCA1 and BRCA 2: Cancer risk and genetic testing. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA. Last Accessed: October 30, 2014.
5. Petrucelli N, et al.,1998 Sep 4 [Updated 2013 Sep 26]. In: Pagon RA, Adam MP, Bird TD, et al., editors. GeneReviews [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2014.
6. Wang ZC, et al. Profiles of genomic instability in high-grade serous ovarian cancer predict treatment outcome. Clin Cancer Res. 2012;18:5806-5815.
7. Song H., The contribution of deleterious germline mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2 and the mismatch repair genes to ovarian cancer in the population. Human Molecular Genetics 2014;23(17):4703-4709.
© 2015, Tough Cookie Mommy. All rights reserved.
I had no idea there was a test like this that was so simple. I’ll talk it over with my dr the next time I go in for a check up.
Totally tugged a heartstring. Lost my grandma to Ovarian C. She was the kindest woman I ever knew. It was a hard way to lose her. I didn’t realize it was easy to be checked to see if you were prone to getting it. Def. bringing that up at my next physical.
My mother had melanoma a few years ago, but has been cancer free for 3 years now. Fingers crossed that it doesn’t come back.
I am NOT BRCA aware and I know I should be. I have candida and have read it makes me a higher cancer risk. Right now, my Sister in Law is going through Breast Cancer. I know she is very scared, but trying to be brave.
I’m currently learning to dance in the rain. Letting go and finding the fun in the situation is something that needs to happen more often! Thank you so much for such an informative post.
I have never heard of BRCA gene before. Wow! Thank you for educating me!
Does insurance cover the testing if you don’t have cancer already? I think it’s really important.
I definitely think genetic testing is worth having done. Especially if cancers like this run in your family so proactive treatments can begin. Thanks for spreading the word!
Having been adopted when they didn’t give out any medical information I have no idea what my family history is in regards to any medical condition. This test has never been offered to me–perhaps I should ask for it.
I would definitely ask – especially in your case because you know nothing about your past
My great aunt passed away due to Ovarian Cancer. It was very traumatic and it was not kind to her. I am hoping medical tests and medicines have gotten better since then.
It sounds like it would be a good idea to get tested. People who are aware they have mutations in these genes can be prepared and maybe take preventative measures.
That’s very interesting information. Crazy how we have this huge up rise in cancer this last 30 years.
My mom had ovarian cancer. So this is very close to my heart. It’s important to know your risks.
1.4 women out of 4?? Those are scary statistics…. :/ I just got checked a few days ago and I’m waiting for an answer, but I hope everything is okay.
Great information. Cancer runs super high in my family on both sides so I’m always cautious and make sure to always be tested when needed.
Wow. Such an informative post. Cancer is really scary. It is important to be well informed.
This is such an informative post. I am going to check into that test. Thank you!
This is very interesting. You just never know so you need to be informed!
such a great awareness…thanks for sharing!
This is really interesting, we lost my Aunt to cancer last year, the same type that took my Grandfather which has left my Dad and uncle very worried as well as upset so they are going through tests at the moment, it’s a worrying time.
Never heard of that. Lots of great info.
Thank you for raising awareness of this. The more information we all have about our health, the better.
I didn’t know there was such a test! Ovarian cancer doesn’t run in my family, but being tested is always good.
I am glad I learned about this through your post. This is very important to know
My next door neighbor was positive for BRCA and has both breast and ovarian cancer. She’s 40.
I will have to talk to my doctor about this test. I would like to know if i carry the gene. Thanks for the great information.
Thank you for raising awareness. I did not know there was a test like this one
I am very blessed to say that Cancer has not effected my immediate family but I am always looking for ways to stay informed and on top of my health, so thanks for sharing this info!
Cancer sucks. I had no idea about these types of mutations.
I only know about this test from it being in the media because of Angelina Jolie. I need to look into getting tested myself. Thanks for the reminder!
I have never heard of BRCA but I’m glad I know now. Thank you for the information on it.
Such a informative article. And it is absolutely amazing that we have simple test to identify the higher risk for gene mutation related to Cancer. Worth to share to friends around.
I love the dancing the rain quote as it is one of my favourites. I have a friend that just had a preventative double masectomy. I am glad there is a test to help identity such deadly conditions.
Thanks for sharing this important info. I didn’t know there was a test like this!