Breast cancer. Two words when put together bring up memories of pain, strength, and courage.
Twenty days before my 4th birthday, my biological mom, Kathy, passed away from breast cancer. Kathy was diagnosed with stage 3B breast cancer at the age of thirty. Only ten years older than I am today. She fought for two long hard years, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough.
After Kathy’s diagnosis, my dad found out that Kathy’s side of the family had a history of breast and ovarian cancer. Not only was every single female diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, but none of them had survived their fight. One of the youngest people to be diagnosed was at the age of 25. What can cause such a dominant gene to take the life of so many? The BRCA 1 mutation gene had been passed down for many generations and finally being discovered in Kathy.
BRCA 1 mutation gene otherwise known as BRCA is the gene that leads to a higher risk in breast and ovarian cancer. Women in the general population have an 8% chance of developing breast cancer in their life. Woman who have the BRCA 1 mutation gene have a 55-65% of having cancer. So how is it that every single female on Kathy’s side had developed cancer? It must have been a really powerful gene.
If only one of your parents has the BRCA 1 mutation gene it doesn’t mean that you will 100% have the gene. Getting the BRCA 1 mutation gene is just a 50/50 chance; just a flip of a coin can decide your fate.
The BRCA gene was passed from my grandfather to all 3 of his children. So not only females, but also males can be carriers of the gene. However, after Kathy’s diagnosis, my aunt was able to have a double mastectomy that saved her life.
Even though I never got to know Kathy the way I wish I had (since I was only 4) I know that she is looking over me and has provided me the skills I need to be strong, brave, and courageous; and I will always be grateful for that.
-Reagan Bazarsky