I’m going to be honest…cancer is not something that I really like to talk about. After seeing the women in my family over generations deal with the effects of breast and ovarian cancer, just the thought of it honestly strikes fear into my heart. It stops me in my tracks and I’ll admit, I’ve had more than one panic attack just thinking about the probability that I will one day get a positive cancer diagnosis. So when AstraZeneca asked me to partner with them to share why I choose to #beBRCAware, I wanted to get honest with you guys. And I wanted to give you a very real look at what life as a person with the BRCA gene mutation looks like.
Breast and ovarian cancer run deep in my family. Growing up, I knew all about it. Shortly after having my first baby, I watched my mom go through a mastectomy. But honestly, I tried to just put the thought of whether or not I was at risk out of my head. After all, I was young. I was in the middle of having babies. And the last thing I wanted to think about was my risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.
So, I kept going in life. I did my monthly breast cancer self-checks and kept my appointment for pap smears. I’ll be honest and say I downplayed my family’s history at doctor’s appointments so that I didn’t have to hear the same warnings that I’d heard my whole life. But a few years ago, my doctor encouraged me to be tested for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes; the genes that are involved with cell growth, cell division and cell repair and are often associated with a positive breast of ovarian cancer diagnosis. It was part of an overall larger genetic testing recommendation and while I didn’t really want the results, I went along with it. Why you ask? Well, simply because I wasn’t asked to take the testing based on my family history. My doctor informed me that while I did have a history, family history and age are poor predictors of BRCA status, especially in ovarian cancer patients. So regardless or whether or not there was that history in my family, getting tested was the smart thing to do.
Now if you read my blog, you already know how those tests came back. You know that I have the BRCA gene. But what you don’t know is what life with it looks like. I don’t look any different on the outside. I don’t feel any different. If you asked me if having the BRCA gene has changed my life, quite simply the answer would be no. It’s made me more diligent. But it hasn’t altered who I am in any fundamental way.
And yet two times a year, I now go to my doctor for a check of all my lady parts. With each and every visit my heart beats just a little faster and that sick feeling in my gut returns. Because I know that I am at risk for a positive diagnosis. And I know that in one day, my life could drastically change.
But where this knowledge used to cause fear, it now gives me power. It makes me put a little more importance on doctor’s appointments and taking care of myself. It makes me conscious of the risk which surprisingly enough wasn’t just tied to my family history. It causes me to be aware of changes in my body and risk factors for ovarian cancer without being constantly fearful. I causes me to be brave.
So, why am I sharing all of this with you? Well, quite simply, September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. And just as I have bi-annual reminders of the fact that my health is not guaranteed, this is your reminder that your lifestyle, your family history and even your age aren’t necessarily the only things that determine your ovarian cancer risk.
This September, I challenge you to consider the reasons to get tested for the BRCA gene mutation. Don’t just rely on your family history because almost half of the BRCA-positive ovarian cancer patients have no significant family history or ovarian or breast cancer. Instead, arm yourself with knowledge so that YOU are in control of your health. Getting tested is as simple as having a blood or saliva sample taken at your physician’s office or local lab. It’s painless…I promise. And generally in two to three weeks, you’ll know your BRCA status.
And if you are positive? No, you likely won’t feel different. But you’ll be different. You’ll be diligent. You’ll be prepared. And you’ll be in control of the future of your health care.
When I look back to the age during which my great-grandmother had ovarian cancer, I know it was a subject that wasn’t really talked about. But we, as women, can change that today. Let’s stand up together. Let’s tell the world that more than 21,000 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in the US in 2015. Let’s let women everywhere know that the risk of developing ovarian cancer is 1 in 73. And then let’s take the fear out of those numbers by being educated. Being prepared. And being tested for the BRCA gene.
Start educating yourself today by watching the video below.
Then start a conversation with your friends and family members about ovarian cancer and the importance of BRCA testing. Because while cancer is scary, learning to be proactive about my health has been one thing that gives me confidence to know that while I can’t change my genetic risks, I can take charge of how I deal with them.
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.
The gene is in my family, too, and the thought of it truly scares me. Especially since I am not getting any younger.
I also have an aunt who is a breast cancer survivor. Early detection is really the key and those tests are important.
Ovarian cancer is so frightening. Thank you for sharing this information. I didn’t know a lot of it!
This seems like such a great idea for people to take more control of their own health. I think having this diagnosis would definitely make more people more diligent and hopefully catch anything before it is too late.
Thanks for all the information on BRCA. It is something to be aware of.
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Breast cancer is in my family as well. I had the chance to have the BRCA testing don, but so far, I have said no.
Thanks for all the info about BRCA genes. Early detection is key!
As women, it’s so important that we get those checks. I know I tend to brush off my own appointments because I’m a busy mom putting others before myself. I do realize though that my health effects my entire family. Cancer runs in my family, too, so it’s especially important that I stay on top of these visits.
We’ve had this talk in my family. My mom had a single mastectomy in 2011. Since having breast cancer I was been pushing her to get tested Her results could change my life, my sisters and possibly my daughters.
I am not sure how I would react if I got those results. I am glad you are taking a proactive approach and all the proper screenings. Raising awareness is key to early detection.
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My mom just passed away from an 8 year battle with ovarian cancer. This post has so much good information in it. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing this information. It’s important that as women we take care of ourselves and be diligent.
It’s good that you’re so diligent about checking in with your doctor twice a year! The thought of it just scares the daylights out of me.
Cancer is such a scary thing, no matter who you are and being pre-tested, in my mind, is a very smart thing to do. I applaud your strength… in taking the test and sharing your feelings with us.
Good for you for sticking up for your lady parts and putting your fears aside. As scary as it is to get cancer, it is scary not knowing. I think getting testing is very important!
Wow. Thanks for sharing your story and how you are staying strong. I definitely think it’s better to know and be prepared – even though knowledge can be scary. Your message is so important, I hope it gets out there to as many women as possible.
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This is really great information! I think it is better to be tested and know that you have the gene than being unaware!
I can’t imagine how fearful it can be to have such diseases run in your family and knowing that at any time you could have a positive diagnosis. In times like that you certainly have to be brave and it’s great you’re sharing this info. I was unaware of these tests and I’m sure there are others as well, so this info could help prepare others or even help diagnose others.
I think it is important to have this test done. Knowledge is power. I will have to talk to my Doctor about having this test done.
I don’t know if the gene runs in my family, and I’m not sure I want to. That’s so bad, I know. I guess because I’m not insured I’m sticking my head in the sand, but I need to stop it.
I initially felt the same way but I’m so glad now that I know. It causes me not to ignore things that I probably would otherwise and while it can be scary knowing, for me it would be even scarier not to know.
Being able to have the BRCA test done is great. My mom had breast cancer when I was in high school, so I’m definitely interested to see if the cancer gene runs in our family.
My aunt died from the complications of breast cancer. I have two cousins who had undergone mastectomies. It scares me that this can affect any female member of the family. Thanks for the reminder. I have to get rid of the “That won’t happen to me” mindset.
My grandma is the last to have breast cancer and I haven’t been tested, but we have been taking extra precautions in my exams. Thank you for sharing your story, this is a very brave and open thing to do.
Thanks for talking about this, I didn’t even know about this. I want to get tested now. Is there a specific age?
I’d talk to your doctor. I was tested at 31 and I don’t “think” it’s ever too early but your doctor would definitely have more info than I do.
This post has a great information and bring awareness. Be active and don’t ignore any signs / symptoms.
I’m hoping my insurance will cover it, I want to get tested in a few years. Cancer runs in my family and I’m terrified that it would take me from my kids, but I would like to know the answers from a screening.
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Cancer is not in our gene, but I certainly would want to be tested. I will have to talk to our doctor about this. She already told me I will have my mammogram early next year.
Cancer is very high in my family. Both my parents die from cancer and my moms mom died from it as well. So I’m always terrified of the possibility. This is some great information!
I’m lucky in that these types of cancer don’t run in my family. Others do, but not these. If these did you better bet I would be getting tested.
Thank you for this useful information. Ovarian cancer is scary and the early the doctors can detect it, the beter.
I really need to have a well woman exam. It’s not my idea of fun but it’s needed. My mil had breast cancer a little over a tear ago. It was scary.
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It is so important to get your lady parts checked regularly. I think a test like this is a great tool to maintaining your health.
I have a family history of breast cancer. I have not heard of this test before. I am going to talk to my Doctor about having it done.
Ughhh cancer is totally something that freaks me out!! It’s definitely something that needs to be talked about to cause awareness. The earlier we know the symptoms the better
I certainly know how it feels to worry constantly about cancer. I also have a predisposition for cancer and am so scared daily.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I didn’t know they had a test for this. I will have to talk to my doctor about it.
I have a friend with this gene so I am familiar with it as well. It is important to stay informed and educatie others!
My best friends grandmother is a breast cancer survivor, thankfully when she went in for her normal yearly test they caught it very early on. It was such a grueling process that seemed forever for everyone. Getting tested regularly is so important.