Cancer. B R E A S T C A N C E R. Words that have rocked the lives of far too many women(and men) and their families over the years. One in Eight women will receive this life changing diagnosis in their lifetimes. However, for some, the odds are much higher, and it comes much sooner. These women and men, are those who carry the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genetic mutation. These men and women are my family.
Both BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genetic mutations are hereditary mutations. It's not a choice, it's not something that can be prevented, and it's a life changer for sure. BRCA genetic mutations don't just increase a woman's risk of a breast cancer diagnosis significantly, they also increase their risk of a breast cancer diagnosis at a young age, and are more likely to have a triple negative diagnosis, which makes the cancer more difficult to treat. They are also at a higher risk for a second breast cancer diagnosis. For men, there is an increased risk of male breast cancer, an increased risk of prostate cancer, and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. For both men and women, there is the chance of passing the mutation down to their children.
My grandmother had the BRCA 2 genetic mutation. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 30's, nobody can quite remember the exact age. She fought hard against the cancer that attacked her, all while working hard to raise her family and provide for her children. She was a warrior, brave, strong, and courageous. Whether it was metastasis from her breast cancer or a side effect of her treatments, she lost her battle to lung cancer having never smoked a day in her life. She was only 45 years old. She was taken from her children, some of whom were still in their teens, at far too young an age. Both her battle with cancer and her passing has left a lasting mark on her beloved family. She never had the chance to meet many of her grandchildren, let alone any of her great grandchildren. I have only ever seen her in photographs, and even those are few. But still, her legacy lives on. I have heard the stories of her strength and resilience for her family, and that same power runs through our veins today.
Some good news about BRCA is that the mutation doesn't skip generations, so if a parent doesn't have the mutation, their children won't either. The odds with BRCA are a coin flip, it's a 50/50 chance of being passed on. BRCA genetic mutations don't discriminate, they can be passed down to both sons and daughters. While the risks for men aren't as high with this genetic mutation as they are for women, BRCA genetic mutations do increase a man's risk of male breast cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer(I will share as many of the numbers I can below if you are a statistics person). Even though nobody can choose or change their DNA, there are some things that can be done when an individual knows this mutation runs in their family.
First of all, if you know that a BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genetic mutation runs in your family, GET TESTED! The genetic testing is super simple and easy to do, all you need is a referral to a genetics specialist so they can go over the details with you and it is a simple blood test or saliva test to find out if you carry the genetic mutation or not. While having a positive result is scary and daunting, it's in your best interest to take control and find out, because yes, you can use the results to empower you to take charge of your health. You don't have to wait in fear of the unknown.
Women with a positive BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genetic mutation can start having breast imaging every six months as early as the age of 25. This allows any issues that may arise to be caught early when they are easiest to treat. Early detection is key with all cancers, but especially with breast cancer. While it may not be the most comfortable thing to do, this is a simple step to take charge of your health. BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genetic mutations put women at a significantly higher risk to develop breast cancer at a young age, so don't delay early detection! In addition to breast imaging as part of early surveillance measures, women can also have additional breast and ovarian exams, ovarian imaging and bloodwork. Remember, your genetics don't rule you!
Some other recommendations that are common with women with BRCA genetic mutations are definitely not as simple, and can be quite daunting. Women with these genetic mutations can choose to have a preventative mastectomy. In no way is this an easy thing to do. The surgery and recovery are difficult enough, but there is also the emotions that go with giving up a part of you. This is not an easy process to go through, and the women I have watched go through this are champions in my eyes. They have been warriors, fighting to stop a battle before it can truly start. Their strength and courage to face this difficult decision and share the process openly with others looking at that same path is inspiring. But there is still more that can be done to help prevent cancer due to a BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genetic mutation.
If a woman knows she has these mutations, and is confident that she is done having children, she can choose to have a preventative full hysterectomy, or only ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. Women with the BRCA mutations have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer as they get older, so taking this preventive measure can help beat cancer to the punch. That being said, this is no easy feat. It is h a r d. You are giving up even more of yourself and what makes you a woman, and kick starting the dreaded menopause all at the same time. It takes a loving support system, and a whole lot of courage and strength. But for the sake of their health and being empowered in the midst of unfortunate genetics, this is an option that can be pursued.
Watching the women (and men) in my life face this enemy with their head held high is an amazing thing to see. They are powerful as they go through these deep valleys and are a beacon for those around them. They entered the fire and were reborn stronger and braver than before, and I am proud to call them my family. Whether they are in the early stages of a positive result, going through early detection measures, taking preventative measures, or battling the beast that is breast cancer itself, they are showing their strength. No matter what they face, they get up every single day and love on their family and friends, and let their smile shine bright before them. More still, they are there, encouraging others facing similar results and are always open to discussing what their journey has looked like. These are my people. They are warriors, they are powerful, they are courageous, they are strong, they are inspiring, they are #novingerstrong, and they are Stronger than their Genes. So #uck Cancer, because this, this was the wrong family to mess with.
If you or anyone you know has a BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genetic mutation in your family, feel free to reach out! You are not alone.
Let's talk numbers. Here are some of the statistics on the BRCA 1 genetic mutation:
55-65% of women with this mutation will develop breast cancer before the age of 70.
72% of women with this mutation will develop cancer by the age of 80.
40% of women will develop breast cancer in their other breast within 20 years of their first diagnosis.
44% of women will develop ovarian cancer with this genetic mutation.
Here are the statistics on the BRCA 2 genetic mutation:
45% of women with this mutation will develop breast cancer before the age of 70.
69% of women with this mutation will develop breast cancer by the age of 80.
26% of women will develop cancer in their other breast within 20 years of their first diagnosis.
17% of women will develop ovarian cancer with this mutation.
Here are some facts on both BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genetic mutations:
Those who carry these mutations have a higher than average risk of developing a second cancer.
Both of these mutations increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Both of these mutations are a 50% chance of being passed on.
Both of these mutations increase a male's risk of male breast cancer and prostate cancer.
Sources: National Breast Cancer Foundation
