Social media has made the world even smaller than it already was. Friends are made across the country and across the world. We talk with each other every day sharing our life details as well as our family pictures. We celebrate with one another and we encourage each other. Having more friends means that you now see first hand the trials and tribulations that people have to face on a daily basis. I feel like I know more people who have been affected by cancer than ever before. The statistics have become very real for all of us.

Personally my family has had cancer enter our lives and shatter them. Luckily we have had some survivors who fought tooth and nail to overcome this powerful disease. Cancer is not prejudice, it doesn’t care what race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, or if you are wealthy or poor. It doesn’t care if you are elderly or a child. Cancer is a murderer, it has one mission….to kill.

My great aunt (grandma’s sister) is one of the most amazing women I have ever met. She not only beat cancer more than once but she is the most optimistic person you will ever meet. She keeps you interested when telling stories about our family, how we came over through Ellis Island and about our great grandfather’s legacy as a fisherman. When each girl in the family got engaged, we knew that it meant a trip to the fabric store to pick out material for the handmade quilt you would receive from her at the shower. When we had our baby shower, we scoped the presents looking for Aunt J’s box and you sized it up, hoping for a handmade quilt for the baby! Never once did you hear about a woe but instead she asks us about what is going on in our lives and ends with sound advice. I remember the first time my PAP came back XXXXX and I had to go in for more tests. After speaking with Aunt J I was optimistic and everything turned out fine. One thing she said has always stuck with me, “Never take it for granted and always go for your check-ups!”

Taking IT for Granted

We have the technology at hand by making sure we go to our doctor for our regular check-ups. Educate yourself on family history and know any risks you may have.

BRCA

I would like to give you some information that hopefully will explain what BRCA is, why you should be tested, and why it should be shared.

What is a BRCA gene?
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes involved with cell growth, cell division, and cell repair. Although they are most commonly associated with BReast CAncer, approximately 15% of women with ovarian cancer also have BRCA gene mutations.

Important BRCA Facts:

• Women with BRCA gene mutations have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
• In the general population, 1.4 percent of women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, while up to 40 percent of women with BRCA mutations will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in their lifetime.
• An estimated 15% of ovarian cancers are linked to BRCA mutations.
• 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.

Who should get tested for the BRCA gene?
Clinical practice guidelines recommend that all women with epithelial ovarian cancer be considered for BRCA testing. The test is simple and easy. A blood or saliva sample can be taken at your physician’s office or at a local lab. Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance carriers cover BRCA testing for women with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Certain mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 can affect how you and your physician choose to manage ovarian cancer.

Why you should share!

• Raise Awareness. Help spread the word about the connection between the BRCA gene and ovarian cancer. Information is powerful and can affect the way cancer is treated. Share campaign information with the hashtag #beBRCAware to let other women know the facts above
• Share Information. Do you know a woman diagnosed with or at risk for ovarian cancer?
  • website myocjourney.com, which provides information about diagnosis, BRCA gene testing, treatment plans, and support networks that may be helpful to these women now and can help alert more women to what they need to know about BRCA and ovarian cancer.
• Show Your Support. Encourage women battling ovarian cancer to stay positive

Together we can bring awareness to take one more step to fight cancer!!

Find more information about BRCA

Website: myocjourney.com
Twitter: @beBRCAware
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/beBRCAware/250939935114040
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmqqk6o8esolywblpF4-IKQ

Who has been a positive inspiration in your life?

 

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