For The Health of It

Chatting BRCA1 for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with Ruth


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For the Health Of It Podcast, A Healthcare Australia Podcast made for healthcare professions, brought to you by nurses on the inside.

This week we introduce Ruth. Ruth is a physio, is in her late 20s and is positive for the BRCA1 mutation. Ruth found out she had this mutation at 19 after finding out her father carried the gene mutation. Having a mutation on the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene increases the risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer significantly. 13% of all genetically female individuals will develop breast cancer during their lives… having the harmful BRCA1 gene variant increases that to 55-72%.

For Ruth, her future may look a little different, having to prioritise her health more than other people her age. This looks like extra screening, more awareness for changes in her body, a double mastectomy in the next few years and the potential for more surgeries down the track.

This episode is emotional, raw, and real and Ruth’s vulnerability and candour are inspiring. We hope you enjoy this episode.

Education and awareness are the best prevention. Set a reminder in your phone on the 1st of every month to check your breasts. You are never too young or too old to get breast cancer, and discovering lumps early reduces your risk of cancer developing or progressing. Prioritise yourself and your health so we can eliminate breast cancer for good!

RESOURCES:

https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/about/what-we-do/breast-awareness/  

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics/brca-fact-sheet  

https://nbcf.org.au/breast-cancer-awareness-month/


Any more questions? Chat with your GP or specialist

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For The Health of ItBy Healthcare Australia