Let me start by saying I am so grateful for all of the love and support I have received this past week after my first post. For someone who is struggling with decisions such as these and dealing with the unknown, comments like the ones I have received are so powerful. It’s hard for me to tell parts of my story without getting a bit technical, but I hope to explain it in such a way that won’t gloss over a whole lot of facts and information.
What does BRCA mean?
There are several known hereditary genetic mutations that are linked to cancer. Of the BRCA genetic mutations there are BRCA1 (Breast Cancer 1) and BRCA2 (Breast Cancer 2). I have BRCA1. This does not mean I have cancer. I repeat, I have NOT been diagnosed with cancer.
Source: Florida Hospital Cancer Institute, Susan G. Komen, Breast Cancer Site
What is a genetic mutation?
Your body is made of a certain genetic code that helps tell how things should be developed and how cells should grow, divide and die. A normal genetic code is a sequence of 3 letters that contain instructions. When that code is affected it is known as a mutation.
Picture it . . .
So let me put this in a way that is easier to understand. A normal genetic code put into a sentence might read, “THE FAT CAT SAW THE RED DOG RUN OUT”. A genetic mutation would mess up the letter sequence. If you take the “AT” out of “FAT”, the mutated code would read, “THE FCA TSA WTH ERE DDO GRU NOU T”. This statement no longer makes sense, and it would be the same for the body if it was trying to read mutated genetic code.
How is it passed?
Both men and women can carry the gene and can also pass it to their offspring. This is important to note because breast cancer is so prominent in women, men do not often consider their own family history when it comes to cancer.
How can I tell if I have the gene?
You will need a genetic test to determine if you have the gene. This can be done through a blood test or a simple saliva test.
Is this a big deal?
The short answer is, yes. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are not common gene mutations. However, women who have the gene are at a higher risk of developing cancer than those without. Many sites that specialize in gene and cancer research report different percentages for those who are BRCA positive developing cancer. But the takeaway from all of the information out there is simple, if you are BRCA positive, your risk is higher than that of the general population.
Should I be tested?
I am a firm believer in knowledge is power. But because having the gene doesn’t mean that you will for sure develop cancer, the knowledge from a genetic test does mean making some important decisions about the future of your health. Some people don’t want to know, and that’s okay. It is a calculated risk and really depends on if you want to be proactive when it comes to the increased risks of cancer due to genetic mutation. It is so important to know your own family history of cancer and to consider your personal health. Both women and men, who have a heavy history of breast cancer in their family, should seriously consider getting tested.
So now what?
And that my friends is the main reason I am sharing my story with you. There isn’t a right or wrong answer to this. There are so many questions to answer for yourself, like . . . Should I get tested? Do I want to know if I am BRCA 1 or 2 positive? If I am, where do I go from there? All of those are great questions, unfortunately, only you can answer. I am finding the older I get, the harder it is to make those life changing decisions. But here is what I do know, if you ever get a chance to be proactive in your health you should do everything in your power to take advantage of the situation. Most people don’t get that opportunity. When asked by an oncologist what my ultimate goal was when doing my research and formulating a plan, I looked her straight in the eyes and said, “To not get cancer.”
