Check your genes

You can inherit more than good looks from your family.

Do you know about checking your genes? No, we’re not talking about the denim variety.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 38 with no family history, I  concluded it wasn’t genetic. But due to my Ashkenazic (AKA eastern European) Jewish heritage, I learned I was still at risk for the BRCA-1and BRCA- 2 gene mutation. I wanted to know for my daughter’s sake so she could later be tested – and for my health, as well. Mutation carriers previously diagnosed with cancer have a significantly greater risk of developing second cancers. I tested negative.

BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations significantly increase your risk of breast and/or ovarian cancer as compared to the general population. According to the National Cancer Institute, five (5%) to ten percent (10%) of women who are diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer have a hereditary form of cancer due to mutations in the BRCA-1 or BRCA-2 genes. 

Check Your Genes was founded in 2007 to spread the word about a simple blood test that can help people take proactive steps to prevent a cancer diagnosis later.

 This test is available to individuals with a significant family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer. Most health insurance companies even cover the cost of testing if there is a significant family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer or individuals diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer at a young age. And, grants are available for those without insurance.

 To learn more about Check Your Genes and hereditary cancers, visit www.checkyourgenes.org. Or find them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/checkyourgenes or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/checkyourgenes.