We're all brave.
“Scared is what you're feeling. Brave is what you're doing.” ― Emma Donoghue, Room
I believe that when you're given any type of 'blow' to your normal life - we innately have the desire to fight hard to overcome.
When my grandmother died at the age of 44 from breast cancer, I was not yet born. What her life and death impressed upon me was a need to understand my own risks.
I started mammograms earlier than recommended. Additionally, I chose to be tested for the BRCA gene mutation. Thankfully, I tested negative for the mutation.
Knowledge is power. It's not ok to NOT KNOW WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW.
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Groups at Higher Risk for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Hereditary breast cancer means that breast cancer runs in your family, and could be caused by an inherited change in your genes. About 5% to 10% of breast cancers are hereditary.
You may have a higher risk for hereditary breast cancer if—
Breast cancer runs in your family; and/or
A BRCA gene mutation runs in your family.
Most hereditary breast cancers are caused by mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. However, even if a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation does not run in the family, a strong family health history of breast cancer makes it more likely that a person will get breast cancer, possibly due to mutations in other genes. Mutations in several other genes also have been linked to breast and ovarian cancers.
The first step in assessing your risk is learning your family history and sharing this information with your health care provider to learn if genetic counseling and testing are right for you.
Source and Sited from: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/young_women/bringyourbrave/hereditary_breast_cancer/higher_risk_cancer.htm
Groups at Higher Risk for BRCA Gene Mutations
Some people have a higher risk for a BRCA gene mutation than others. Certain family history patterns indicate a higher risk for a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.
You may be at increased risk for a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation if your family history includes—
Several relatives with breast cancer.
Any relatives with ovarian cancer.
Relatives who got breast cancer before age 50.
A relative with cancer in both breasts.
A relative who had both breast and ovarian cancers.
A male relative with breast cancer.
Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry (Central or Eastern European) and any relative with breast or ovarian cancer.
A relative with a known BRCA gene mutation.
You may have a higher risk for a mutation if you have had—
Breast cancer before age 50.
Triple-negative breast cancer.
Male breast cancer.
Breast cancer more than once.
Ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal (lining of the abdomen) cancer at any age.
Both breast and ovarian cancers.
Breast cancer or ovarian cancer at any age, and you are of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry (Central or Eastern European).
Breast cancer and you have a family member with breast or ovarian cancer.
Source and Sited from: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/young_women/bringyourbrave/hereditary_breast_cancer/higher_risk_brca.htm
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My diagnosis and the treatment that followed kicked off my need to do more - be more in 2014. I chose to do so in the form of multi-sport and physical activities. However, my keep it moving motto isn't meant to imply that it's a one size fit all mantra. Life's curve balls come at us at different speeds and directions. Adopting someone else's battlecry isn't likely feasible.
Yes, I do believe that we all possess the fortitude to fight against life's curve balls (be it a diagnosis, a loss, whatever the case may be) and come out stronger and better for it.
Thank you for your support.
Please Educate yourself. I am still learning. It should never stop.
Bring your brave, CC