Understand hereditary cancer: when genes tell the story

Understanding our genetic predispositions to cancer does not concern fear and anxiety; This is empowerment. Organizations such as dealing with our risk of autonomous cancer (force) help individuals and families to adopt this proactive approach to their health care by offering resources and support through awareness. For this story, the members of the management team have amplified the broader mission of the organization by sharing their personal stories of genetic tests and the importance of understanding its genetic heritage.

Wenora Johnson, president, board of directors

Wenora’s journey in plea began with a diagnosis that changes life. “My goal at that time was to survive,” she recalls, reflecting on her diagnosis of colorectal cancer from stadium 3B at 44. It was only when a genetic test revealed Lynch syndrome that the complete scope of its situation has become clear.

Lynch syndrome, also known as the hereditary non -polypose colorectal cancer (HNPCC), is the most common cause of hereditary colorectal cancer (colon). “He was actually seated there for 15 years,” she said, stressing the importance of knowing your family history and obtaining early projections.

The genetic test experience has become a decisive moment, leading Wenora to force. “Test positive to be a carrier of Lynch syndrome stressed the importance of understanding its genetic risks,” she explains. Wenora began as a peer browser, supporting other people confronted with similar diagnoses.

His involvement with force has expanded, the attacker to sit on the board of directors and finally to become chairman of the board of directors. “These people are real scientists and geneticians behind the scenes, providing information to help individuals make choices,” she said, emphasizing the commitment of force to reliable information.

A large part of his advocacy work focuses on the dissipation of false ideas on clinical trials and the encouragement of a greater participation of people of color. “If we don’t do it, then we lose,” she says. Representation in research is vital. His experience by participating in a test of vaccine against Lynch syndrome again his commitment to “walk”.

“Force is this lighthouse when we are looking for information,” she concludes, stressing the role of the organization in the breeze of obstacles, the supply of precise information and the empowerment of individuals to take control of their health. She wants to ensure that future generations, including her grandchildren, can access reliable resources and support.

Verinda Hobbs, partnership strategy manager

His connective history began with the diagnosis of his sister’s breast cancer in 1993, at only 28 years old, and at a time when it was common for the medical community to neglect the possibility of a cancer diagnosis because of his age. It was not only a family tragedy; It was an alarm clock. His family realized that they did not speak enough health history and the doctors did not ask the right questions. “We do not know if she had not been so young, or if she had not been black, if there would have been different treatment options offered to her,” she said, emphasizing how crucial it is to be your own defender. Unfortunately, Verinda’s sister lost her battle against breast cancer a few years later, at 32.

Then, the discovery of a mutation of the BRCA1 gene in a cousin caused a deeper dive in the health history of their family, revealing a diagram of aggressive cancers.

This led Verinda and another sister to undergo genetic tests, confirming their own BRCA1 carrier status. “In a way, having a genetic mutation almost gives you … The ability to trace my own destiny,” she explains, highlighting her proactive approach to manage her genetic risks. This included preventive surgeries and vigilant projections.

Verinda initially found an unshakable support with force. The organization guided his trip and helped her sail on the way to the track. Now she is passionate about helping others. Verinda has become a patient defender to “get information and help people become more aware” of hereditary cancers, stressing the importance of self-evocation and understanding of family history. She wants everyone to know that knowing your risks is stimulating and that you don’t have to do this alone.

Juanita Rogers, vice-president, health education and communication

Although its history is rooted in public health rather than in the experience of personal cancer, Juanita’s commitment to force is from a deep concern for health disparities. Coming from a large family, Juanita understood that his family had not had essential conversations on health, propelling his career in public health and education.

“Being empowered and having the impression that it is not negative to have these conversations is what I would like to see for my family and for the black community,” she explained.

In its role, Juanita translates complex scientific information in an accessible language, ensuring that various audiences include the hereditary risks of cancer. It highlights the importance of open communication on family health history, in particular within communities that have always been faced with obstacles to access to health care. “It is important to feel empowered to ask questions and make the most optimal health you can,” she notes, arguing for a proactive commitment with health care providers.

The strength is crucial to disseminating precise information and processing false ideas surrounding genetic tests and hereditary cancers.

“We share information. I make radiographs (behind the big titles) because it is a great way to share real information and research in a simple language, ”she says. Force also fights disinformation thanks to its way of identifying the boastful functionality and provides full resources on genetic council.

“Knowing that we are here for the community in various ways … is the most important,” said Juanita, stressing the dedication of force to accessibility and support. It encourages individuals to consider themselves as active participants in their health care, using strength resources to make informed decisions on their genetic health.

What we need to know

Force is an invaluable resource on the types of hereditary cancers and what we need to know about them. Although 10 to 20% of all cancers are caused by a hereditary mutation (hereditary cancer), it is crucial to be well informed about the types, signs and details on how inherited cancers are transmitted from generation to generation.

Facingourrisk.org shares a multitude of information on the types of cancers and their associated genes. Understanding how the genes are transmitted from generation to generation, mother or father, and sometimes jumping generations, only increases the importance that families have the health conversations to make proactive health decisions for everyone. They offer resources, support and a sense of community, but also empower individuals through awareness and encouragement.

Disease control center: Lynch syndrome

Jama Oncology, March 2021, Braca-1 Gene Research supported the need to test more black women.