Breast Cancer BRCA Awareness Education

Health

The pink roses in the photo you see here represent all the women I know personally who have been affected by ovarian and/or breast cancer. Because these forms of cancer are unfortunately so prevalent, chances are that you also know one or more family members or friends that also have had direct experience with BRCA, the gene that can be the source of either of these devastating diseases. 

MBE partnered with AstraZeneca and SheSpeaks for this story

What you may not know is that in the general population 1.4 percent of all women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer at some point in their lives and of those nearly 50% have no family history of this disease. Since knowledge empowers us collectively, this post is all about BRCA basics and building awareness so we can valiantly fight this disease together.

What is BRCA?

BRCA1 and BRCA2, as they are known, are human genes involved with cell growth, cell division and cell repair. These genes are most commonly associated with BReast CAncer, however 15% of women with ovarian cancer also have BRCA gene mutations and 40% of women with BRCA 1/2 mutations will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in their lifetimes.

More Facts about BRCA

• Women with BRCA gene mutations have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer
• BRCA gene mutations can play a key role in serous ovarian cancer, the most common form of ovarian cancer
• Almost 50% of women with ovarian cancer who are BRCA-positive have no significant family history of either breast or ovarian cancer

Who Should Get Tested for the BRCA gene?

Clinical practice guidelines recommend all women with epithelial ovarian cancer be considered for BRCA testing. The test, which involves a simple blood test or saliva sample, is quick and easy. Best of all the testing for women with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer is covered not only by Medicare and Medicaid but by most private health insurance companies, too. Keep in mind that certain mutations in BRCA 1 or BRCA2 can affect how you and your oncologist decide to manage ovarian cancer.

#beBRCAware
Retweet this post to share and empower others about the BRCA gene and the role it plays in ovarian cancer. Note: This story, which is intended to provide useful information to the ovarian cancer community, is not a substitute for medical advice and women are encouraged to communicate directly with their doctors for specific treatment options. 

Now is the perfect time show support 

for women battling ovarian cancer 

For more information on ovarian cancer, diagnosis,  BRCA gene testing, treatment plans and support networks, you are encouraged to visit myocjourney.com. Additional resources are available as well by following the #beBRCAware campaign on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

FTC Disclosure: I partnered with SheSpeaks/AstraZeneca for this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.