HELEN'S STORY

I was diagnosed with stage IIIc ovarian cancer in 1987 when I was 41 years old. In 1998 I was tested and found out that I carry the BRCA 2 mutation. I have a first cousin who was diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer in 1981.  She also has the mutation. My brother was also tested.  He too has the BRCA2 mutation. We inherited the mutation from our father.  Once I found out I had the mutation, I started taking Tamoxifen to reduce my risk of breast cancer. I took Tamoxifen for 5 years and I have been taking Femara for 3 years.  In addition to mammograms, I get breast MRI's. Not only am I able to help prevent breast cancer because I know I have the mutation but this knowledge is helpful for our children.  Our older son was tested and he does not have the mutation.  If our younger son is not tested, he knows he should get the PSA test for prostate cancer at age 40 rather than at age 50.  Knowledge is power.

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