Understanding Choices, Making Decisions about BRCA
Finding you have a BRCA mutation or inherited risk for breast and ovarian cancer can be unsettling and confusing. But you’re not alone. FORCE offers a wealth of information and support. We can point you in the right direction if you’re looking for a genetic counselor, put you in touch with others of similar background and choices, or give you encouragement and a hug (either the cyber or in-person variety) when you need it the most.
Being “at high risk” means you have choices about your risk management options:
- Chemoprevention (medications to lower your risk for breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer)
- Surveillance for breast and/or ovarian cancer
- Prophylactic surgery to reduce the risk of breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer
- Participation in research studies looking at risk-management options
Making an informed decision about these choices requires understanding of what each involves. The following five steps will help organize your actions to put you on the decision-making path:
- Let FORCE help
- Consult with a genetic counselor to sort out your risk for breast and ovarian cancer
- Involve gynecologic and breast specialists who are knowledgeable about hereditary cancer risk
- Weigh the benefits and limitations of each option
- Choose the risk management option that is best for you
No matter where you are in the high-risk journey, FORCE is here to help and support you.
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