September is Ovarian Cancer Month #BeBRCAware!
One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a blogger is having a voice to help raise awareness for causes that are important to me. Over the last 7 years as a blogger I have tried to bridge my background in public health and women’s issues with my blog so that I can continue to have ties to causes that are important to me and share my interest with others. As a result of cancer affect so many people I know, it has been something I’ve discussed, raised money and run for during my blogging career. One of the cancers that specifically affects women is ovarian cancer and today I want to highlight this cancer and some things you can too to help raise awareness.
Did you know that September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month? The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 21,000 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in the Unites States in 2015, and that a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer is 1 in 73.
- For the 60% of ovarian cancer patients whose cancer has spread to other organs by the time of diagnosis, the five-year survival rate is only 27%
- Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system and is often diagnosed late because symptoms mirror everyday ailments
Often, women with ovarian cancer also have the BRCA gene. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are involved with cell mutations, cell growth and cell repair. I know numerous women who have had breast cancer and have been tested for the BRCA gene, and I like many, associate it with with breast cancer. BRCA mutations account for 5% - 10% of all breast cancer but what I did not know is that BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are responsible for 15% of all ovarian cancer!
This is why it is so important for all women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer to #BeBRCAware and have testing for the BRCA genes because there are treatment options specifically with for women with the BRCA mutation. The doctor can design treatment that is tailored to their genetic profile. Many people are under the misconception that women who are young, have a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer should be tested, however ALL women with ovarian cancer should be tested for BRCA.
This information is vital for women who have ovarian cancer and I want to ask your help in spreading the word. Will you help by talking to your friends and family about ovarian cancer and the importance of being tested for BRCA if they have ovarian or breast cancer? Also, will you use your voice on social networks by using the hashtag #BeBRCAware and share the photos in this blog and/or video below? Together we can help raise awareness and possibly save some lives!
Disclosure: I received $150 from AstraZeneca, and any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual experience. This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/AstraZeneca
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