In a recent interview, a well-known congresswoman revealed that during a routine self-examination, she found a lump in her breast.
After it was diagnosed as cancer, she opted to have a double mastectomy as well as the removal of her ovaries.
Ashkenazi Jewish women are at a higher risk for breast cancer.
This is due to the abnormalities found in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Not only are these abnormalities attributed to breast cancer, but there is also a risk of developing ovarian cancer as well.
In fact, statistics show that over 8% of Ashkenazi Jewish women had this BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation.
In a study conducted by the National Institute of Health, it was determined that Jewish women of Ashkenazi descent had over a 50% chance of getting breast cancer and over a 15% chance of getting ovarian cancer if they carried the BRAC1 or BRAC2 mutation.
It was for this reason that this young women decided to have these multiple surgeries.
In addition, during her research and discussion with doctors, she found that African American women had a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
The statistics showed that over 15% of these women were found to have a mutated BRAC1 gene.
Moreover, more than 3% of Hispanic and over 2% of white women who are not of Jewish descent were also found to carry the BRCA1 mutated gene.
Thus, it has become even more important that early detection and screening be undertaken by performing self-examinations on a regular basis.
In addition, having an annual mammography is essential.
It is recommended that you have a mammogram every year beginning at the age of 40, as well as a breast exam by a clinician beginning at the age of 20 every three years.
Further, advise your doctor if there is any family history of breast cancer in your family.
For women who are at a higher risk, such as Ashkenazi Jewish women, an MRI may also be required, especially for women in their early 40s.
While not all lumps are cancerous, it is nonetheless important that you notify your doctor if you do find a lump during self-examination.
It should also be noted that any noticeable changes in the breast such as pain, discoloration, discharge, or change in shape or size should also be reported.
After it was diagnosed as cancer, she opted to have a double mastectomy as well as the removal of her ovaries.
Ashkenazi Jewish women are at a higher risk for breast cancer.
This is due to the abnormalities found in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Not only are these abnormalities attributed to breast cancer, but there is also a risk of developing ovarian cancer as well.
In fact, statistics show that over 8% of Ashkenazi Jewish women had this BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation.
In a study conducted by the National Institute of Health, it was determined that Jewish women of Ashkenazi descent had over a 50% chance of getting breast cancer and over a 15% chance of getting ovarian cancer if they carried the BRAC1 or BRAC2 mutation.
It was for this reason that this young women decided to have these multiple surgeries.
In addition, during her research and discussion with doctors, she found that African American women had a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
The statistics showed that over 15% of these women were found to have a mutated BRAC1 gene.
Moreover, more than 3% of Hispanic and over 2% of white women who are not of Jewish descent were also found to carry the BRCA1 mutated gene.
Thus, it has become even more important that early detection and screening be undertaken by performing self-examinations on a regular basis.
In addition, having an annual mammography is essential.
It is recommended that you have a mammogram every year beginning at the age of 40, as well as a breast exam by a clinician beginning at the age of 20 every three years.
Further, advise your doctor if there is any family history of breast cancer in your family.
For women who are at a higher risk, such as Ashkenazi Jewish women, an MRI may also be required, especially for women in their early 40s.
While not all lumps are cancerous, it is nonetheless important that you notify your doctor if you do find a lump during self-examination.
It should also be noted that any noticeable changes in the breast such as pain, discoloration, discharge, or change in shape or size should also be reported.