facing_our_risk - Profile (original) (raw)

on 23 November 2005 (#8864532)

Facing Our Risk: A BRCA1 & BRCA2 Support Group

This community was created to offer a forum for people of all walks of life who have tested positive for a mutation on their BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, or who have loved ones who have tested positive, to come together and discuss their feelings, experiences, hopes, and fears.

About BRCA1 and BRCA2

Several genetic mutations in have been associated with increased risk of development of breast cancer. The most common of these genetic mutations are called BRCA1 and BRCA2.

A woman’s lifetime chance of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer is greatly increased if she inherits an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Women with an inherited alteration in one of these genes have an increased risk of developing these cancers at a young age (before menopause), and often have multiple close family members with the disease. These women may also have an increased chance of developing colon cancer.

Men with an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene also have an increased risk of breast cancer (primarily if the alteration is in BRCA2), and possibly prostate cancer. Alterations in the BRCA2 gene have also been associated with an increased risk of lymphoma, melanoma, and cancers of the pancreas, gallbladder, bile duct, and stomach in some men and women. [from The National Cancer Institute]

Helpful Links

All About Breast Cancer
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
The Breast Cancer Site
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
Breast Cancer Care UK
Canadian Breast Cancer Network
FORCE
Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization

Please feel more than welcome to post about anything and everything pertaining to your experience with BRCA1, BRCA2, or cancer in this community. You may share stories, post awareness links, ask questions, or offer advice. Everyone is welcome to join, and I hope that we can find support in one another.

Bless,
Erin (kellygreen)

birth control, brca1, brca2, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, breasts, cancer support, cancer survivors, chemotherapy, cure, cysts, early detection, faith, genetic counceling, genetic testing, hereditary cancers, hope, hysterectomy, lumpectomies, mammograms, mastectomy, mri, ovarian cancer, ovarian cancer awareness, ovaries, radiation therapy, run for the cure, screening, self-examination, tamoxifen, tumors, ultrasounds, women, women's health issues