Approximately seven to 10 percent of breast cancers are due to hereditary cancer susceptibility syndromes. It is estimated that more than half of these are due to pathogenic variants (or, in other words, mutations) in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Many young breast cancer survivors have heard of the importance of genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2, but you may not know that testing is available for the other genes related to hereditary breast cancer as well.

Are you aware that knowing your gene mutation risk could possibly save your life? Certain gene mutations greatly increase your risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer, and can be inherited from either your mother or father.

The type and severity of the side effects that women experience after treatment for breast cancer depend a lot on your specific diagnosis and what treatments that you received.

In July, 2016, at the ripe old age of 27, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I first noticed a lump in my breast in early June while I was performing a breast self-examination. Initially, I thought it may have been hormonal changes due to my menstrual cycle, but when the lump did not shrink/go away by the beginning of July, I had it examined. At first, my gynecologist thought the lump was a cyst, but he sent me to get a mammogram anyway because of my family history. Within five days of my first visit, and after a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer.

Fertility is a common concern among young women diagnosed with breast cancer. Speaking early on with your oncologist about your concerns will help you to understand what you can do to preserve your fertility and if that is possible.

It’s normal to have changes in the way you view yourself after being diagnosed and going through treatment for breast cancer. Some women describe a sense of feeling that their body has somehow failed them or turned against them. While you’re not alone in these feelings, it can feel that way. Check out these videos where survivors share their experiences with body image and negative emotions with you.

A breast cancer diagnosis can be life changing. First, you may question why YOU got cancer. Second, you may feel like you are no longer in control of your body. In between doctors’ appointments, medications, and surgeries, you may find yourself wondering what you can do to take back control of your body, your health, and your life. A breast cancer diagnosis is often a turning point at which living a healthier lifestyle becomes top priority.

Last week we celebrated Thanksgiving: a time for family, friends, and looking back over the year with gratitude. This year we here at SurviveAL are so thankful for each person we have been able to reach this year.