Local Woman’s Double Cancer Battle Fuels New Breast Cancer support Association
[city, State] – After facing a diagnosis of breast cancer not once, but twice, Fabiana [LastName-[LastName-[LastName-[LastName-not provided in source]has channeled her experience into creating the Instituto Olhar Rosa, a new organization dedicated to providing emotional support, free screenings, educational lectures, and vital information for breast cancer prevention. The institute aims to connect women, volunteers, and healthcare professionals, offering a beacon of hope and empowerment to those affected by the disease. ”My purpose is to show that there is life beyond cancer, we can empower ourselves, dream and have hope,” Fabiana stated.
The creation of Instituto Olhar Rosa stems from a deeper understanding of genetic predispositions to cancer, specifically relating to mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These genes act as crucial tumor suppressors, responsible for repairing DNA errors. When a mutation occurs in either gene, this repair mechanism is compromised, significantly increasing cancer risk.
Individuals inherit two copies of these genes - one from each parent. A mutation in just one copy follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, meaning a 50% chance exists for children to inherit the altered gene, irrespective of gender. However, cancer progress typically requires both copies of the gene to be non-functional.
Research indicates a strong link between BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and specific cancer types. A BRCA1 mutation elevates the risk of breast cancer by 60% to 80%, with triple-negative breast cancer being the most frequently observed. The gene also increases the likelihood of ovarian cancer (40-60%), pancreatic cancer (up to 5%), prostate cancer (7-25%), and, though less common, breast cancer in men (approximately 1%).
Similarly,a BRCA2 mutation increases breast cancer risk by 50-60%,often manifesting as hormonal/luminal cancer. It also raises the risk of ovarian cancer (up to 20%),pancreatic cancer (10%),prostate cancer (60%),and breast cancer in men (around 7%). Notably, a BRCA2 mutation is also associated with an increased risk of melanoma.
Fabiana’s personal journey, marked by a double battle with breast cancer, underscores the importance of awareness, early detection, and support systems like the Instituto Olhar Rosa. The organization’s mission is to empower individuals facing similar challenges and to foster a community built on hope and resilience.
Note: I have omitted the last name of Fabiana as it was not provided in the source text. I have also added a city and state placeholder as that information was missing. The lead is written in a breaking-news style, while the body provides the evergreen context of BRCA1/2 genes and cancer risk. All numbers and quotes are directly from the provided text.