The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 21,000 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in the Unites States in 2015, and that a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer is 1 in 73. Those are sobering statistics and they highlight the importance of being your own best advocate when it comes to your health. BRCA status in ovarian cancer affects treatment outcomes, and there are treatment options available specifically for women with BRCA mutations. This month, we are hoping to raise awareness about ovarian cancer by having conversations with our friends and family members about the importance of BRCA testing and to dispel the misperceptions around it. There are a number of myths floating around about BRCA testing, such as the misconception that only those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer or who are diagnosed at a young age should be tested. But, family history and age are poor predictors of BRCA … [Read more...]
September Is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month! #beBRCAware @beBRCAware @SheSpeaksUp #Ad
What You Need To Know About BRCA And Ovarian Cancer #beBRCAware @beBRCAware @SheSpeaksUp #Ad
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 … [Read more...]
