Looking for more information about the BRCA genes? Searching for some type of support network? Just plain curious? Here are some helpful resources to answer your questions!
BRCA1 and BRCA2: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing
An informative fact sheet about the BRCA genes from the National Cancer Institute.
Basser Research Center for BRCA 1 & 2
The University of Pennsylvania recently established a research center dedicated to BRCA. Their website is relatively new but already contains good information about the risks associated with BRCA.
BRCA Risk Calculator
This is a tool from Myriad (the lab that does all BRCA tests) to help determine if an individual might have a BRCA mutation. It is by no means the final answer and you should only view this is a guiding resource. The only way to determine if you actually have a BRCA mutation is to get tested!
Breastcancer.org
A comprehensive site including information about breast cancer treatment options, nutrition and exercise tips for breast cancer patients, suggestions for lowering an individual’s risk of being diagnosed, and more.
Breastcancer.org Discussion Boards
This is an active community of people who have been affected by breast cancer. There is always someone there who has been in a similar situation as you. I’ve been able to connect with quite a few young women who are BRCA+.
Bright Pink
Bright Pink is a non-profit focused on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women. The ladies at Bright Pink work hard to offer lots of resources catered to young, high-risk women. My favorite part of Bright Pink is the Pink Pals program, in which you are matched up with a mentor who has gone through a similar experience as you.
FORCE
FORCE stands for Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered and is an organization dedicated to supporting people dealing with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. FORCE has a community message board, and local chapters organize fun and informative events for members.
Hi… please consider adding us to your list of resources! My name is Kim Richardson Emery. I am the Co-Admin. of the Facebook group called Prophylactic Mastectomy. https://www.facebook.com/groups/prophylacticmastectomy/ I am also the Co-Founder of the My Destiny Foundation. We try to raise money for women who are at high risk for BC and can’t afford surgery. I’ve added a link to your blog on our site and have suggested that our young women (especially) follow you. Our Facebook site is very strict as we share EVERYTHING including tons of our photo pics. I sent you an Email asking you to join us too! I know you would be very helpful as a member of our group! Sincerely, Kim