Melanin & Pink Ribbons

The CDC explains BRCA 1 as an abbreviation for breast cancer 1 and BRCA 2 is breast cancer 2. BRCA 1&2 is a form of breast cancer that effects 3% of all diagnosed cases of the disease.

 All women have BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes that protect them from certain forms of cancer. What occurs is the gene mutates and that mutation halts the work of the BRCA1 & BRCA2 genes do to prevent cancer. Instead, the genes flip and make you more susceptible to breast cancer in some people! Only Mother Nature could create such a tipsy turvy fact pattern.

The presence of BRCA1&2 is found through genetic testing. If one member of your family has been tested and the mutated genes found it’s important for you to get tested. The key to managing is to:

• Know your family medical history
• Get genetic testing
• Share your results with other family members to inform and empower them

The more you know the more you can protect yourself through early detection.

#melaninpinkribbons #blackbreastcancersurvivor