Through education and support we can join FORCEs against hereditary breast and ovarian cancer!
FORCE is a nonprofit organization for women with increased risk of cancer due to family history and genetic status, and for members of families in which a BRCA mutation may be present. Read the rest of this entry »
Confronting your personal cancer risk can be confusing and frustrating. If you are a cancer pre-vivor trying to choose the best risk-management option, sometimes it helps to speak with other women who have faced these choices. Learn more about talking with other high-risk women in our website’s FORCE Community section or visit the following sections of the FORCE website to find more support resources specifically for pre-vivors: Read the rest of this entry »
Joining FORCEs, the quarterly FORCE newsletter, has articles on breast and ovarian cancer risk management. Volume 1, Issue 1–Summer 2005 has an article on MRI for breast cancer screening, and an article on proteomics for ovarian cancer detection.
Volume 1, Issue 2 has an article on breast reconstruction after mastectomy
The decision to undergo prophylactic removal of the ovaries and tubes to lower the risk for cancer is a difficult and personal one.
Women who undergo oophorectomy prior to natural menopause will experience menopause from the surgery. Menopausal symptoms and the experience varies from woman to woman. Further, some of the consequences of menopause are more serious than others. Some women find hormone supplementation alleviates their menopausal symptoms. However, research on hormone replacement is inconclusive regarding the benefits and risks to menopausal women. Because much of the research has been conducted on women who experienced natural menopause, the applicability to women experiencing early surgical menopause is uncertain. It is important for each woman to discuss menopausal symptoms with their doctor and to weigh the potential benefits and relief from hormone replacement vs. their individual risks from hormone replacement or other menopausal treatments. Read the rest of this entry »
Oophorectomy is the removal of the ovaries to treat or prevent ovarian cancer or other ovarian abnormalities. “Prophylactic oophorectomy” refers to the removal of healthy ovaries in women who have an elevated risk for ovarian cancer. Women with elevated hereditary risk for ovarian cancer also have an elevated risk for fallopian tube cancer. For this reason, when their ovaries are removed prophylactically, the fallopian tubes must also be removed. “Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy” (BSO) refers to the surgical removal of both ovaries and both tubes. In women at substantially increased risk for ovarian cancer, bilateral prophylactic oophorectomy has been shown to be a highly effective tool to lower the risk for both ovarian cancer and breast cancer. Although effective, some consider oophorectomy a drastic way to lower cancer risk. After prophylactic oophorectomy, there is still a small risk for developing cancer of the “peritoneum,” which is the lining of the abdomen. This type of cancer, called “primary peritoneal cancer,” is related to ovarian cancer. Although the risk remains, it is quite small. Currently there is no proven method of preventing or screening for primary peritoneal cancer. For more information see our section on primary peritoneal cancer. Read the rest of this entry »
Breast reconstruction is surgery to recreate breasts after mastectomy. “Unilateral reconstruction” is recreation of one breast. “Bilateral reconstruction” involves both breasts. Reconstructive procedures have evolved tremendously in the last decade. In past years, reconstructive surgeons tried to restore a woman’s profile in clothes. Now the goal of many surgeons is to make a woman look as natural as possible whether clothed or not. Reconstruction can replace the look of breasts, but even the best surgeons and the newest techniques can’t replace all sensation lost when chest nerves are severed during mastectomy, completely eliminate breast scars, or restore the ability to breastfeed. Read the rest of this entry »
Mastectomy is removal of breast tissue to treat or prevent breast cancer. “Unilateral mastectomy” is the surgical removal of one breast. “Bilateral mastectomy” is the removal of both breasts. “Prophylactic mastectomy” refers to the removal of healthy breasts to reduce a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. Bilateral prophylactic mastectomy is the most effective means of reducing a woman’s risk; however, the benefits of such surgery depend on each woman’s individual risk. Because even the most experienced breast surgeon cannot remove all breast tissue, a small risk of developing breast cancer remains after prophylactic mastectomy. Although effective, some consider prophylactic mastectomy to be a drastic way to lower cancer risk. A woman’s decision to remove her healthy breasts is highly personal. Confronting your personal cancer risk can be confusing and frustrating. If you are a high-risk woman trying to choose the best risk-management option, you need a clear sense of your personal risk as possible and an understanding of the potential benefits, risks and side effects of prophylactic surgery. Therefore it is important to consult with a specialist in cancer genetics when determining your risk for breast cancer and making risk-management decisions that are best for you. Stay in contact with a genetics expert for updates on current knowledge. Read the rest of this entry »
Close surveillance or screening for cancer uses tests on a routine basis to identify cancer early on, at its most treatable stage. Surveillance doesn’t prevent cancer; however, catching cancer early improves a person’s odds of survival.
Ovarian cancer is particularly difficult to detect. Hidden deep in the abdominal cavity, ovaries are difficult to view or feel; abnormalities are not always found early. Even with the most rigorous surveillance, ovarian cancer is often detected only in its advanced stage. Even when detected early, the disease often requires aggressive treatment such as chemotherapy. Read the rest of this entry »
Close surveillance or screening for cancer routinely uses tests to try to catch cancer in its early stages, when it is most treatable. Surveillance doesn’t prevent cancer. However, early detection improves a person’s chance of surviving their cancer. Studies of breast cancer screening tools for high-risk women, some including women with BRCA mutations, found certain screening more likely to detect cancer. Whether close surveillance will lower the death rate from breast cancer in high-risk women is unknown. Nevertheless, based on these studies, recommendations for breast cancer screening in the high-risk population differ from recommendations for the general population. Read the rest of this entry »
Chemoprevention is the use of medication to reduce risk or prevent diseases such as cancer in healthy people. Some chemoprevention medications may reduce the risk for ovarian cancer. Just how well these drugs perform in high-risk women depends on each woman’s individual level of risk. Because some chemoprevention research may not apply to every person with hereditary cancer risk, when considering your best risk management options, it is important to have a clear a sense of your own risk, as well as the potential benefits and side effects of these medications. A health care team with expertise in managing high-risk patients can help you get a clearer idea of your risk for cancer so you can choose a risk management option that is right for you. Please visit our clinical trials section for information on studies to lower the risk for ovarian cancer. Read the rest of this entry »
Chemoprevention is the use of medication to lower the risk or prevent cancer in healthy people. Some chemoprevention medications reduce breast cancer risk. However, just how well these drugs perform in high-risk women depends on each woman’s individual level of risk. Many past studies of these medications focused on women in the general population or women whose risk for breast cancer was based on the Gail Model, a risk assessment tool, therefore the research may not apply to everyone with hereditary cancer risk. When choosing the best risk management option for yourself, you need a clear sense of your risk (a health care team with expertise in managing high-risk patients can help you identify this) and an understanding of the potential benefits and side effects of chemopreventive medications. For more information see our section on risk assessment for breast cancer based on the Gail Model. Studies are ongoing to identify new medications to lower the risk or prevent breast cancer. Please visit our research and clinical trials section for information on these studies. Read the rest of this entry »
Cancer is a complex disease with many contributing causes, including hereditary factors. Women with a BRCA mutation have an elevated risk for breast and/or ovarian cancer. Some women who have a personal or family history indicative of a hereditary cancer syndrome who have not tested positive for a BRCA mutation may still have an elevated risk for these cancers. Experts use research on families with hereditary cancer to estimate the risk in people with BRCA mutations. Not all research has shown the same lifetime risk for cancer, even in two people with the same mutation. There are many reasons why risks for breast and ovarian cancer may differ. Varying factors such as environment, reproductive history, exercise level and body weight may effect who develops cancer and at what age. Many people base their risk-management decisions on their level of risk; a difference between a lifetime risk for breast cancer of 85% vs. 45% may alter their risk-management choices. Unfortunately, it is difficult to calculate a person’s exact risk of developing cancer in her lifetime. Nor can experts predict at what age someone might develop cancer. Read the rest of this entry »
Cancer risk assessment, risk factors and risk management options may differ for people with hereditary cancer risk or a BRCA mutation than for people in the general population. It is important to consult an expert in cancer risk assessment and risk management to determine what your personal risk for hereditary cancer may be. For more information, see our finding a specialist in hereditary cancer section. Read the rest of this entry »
FORCE offers publications to consumers or health care providers. You can use the form below to order single publications or larger quantities. All publications are provided for free, however donations to offset the cost are appreciated. Read the rest of this entry »
Articles/media about FORCE or its members
Breast Cancer Calendar
Smart Women Series, as appeared on WPTV, Palm Beach, Fl
January 11, 2008
FORCE staff and members meet and discuss Life is a Carnival Calendar and how it benefits women who need to make decisions about mastectomy and reconstruction. Read the rest of this entry »
FORCE helpline bookmarks
These bookmarks have information on how to reach the FORCE toll-free helpline.
Frequently asked questions about hereditary breast cancer
This publication, written in collaboration with the Young Survival Coalition, contains frequently asked questions and answers regarding hereditary breast cancer.
If breast or ovarian cancer runs in your family
This brochure, discusses hereditary cancers, genetic counseling and genetic testing. Read the rest of this entry »
View the news articles/media on our Life is a Carnival Calendar!
Breast Cancer Calendar
Smart Women Series, as appeared on WPTV, Palm Beach, Fl
January 11, 2008
FORCE staff and members meet and discuss Life is a Carnival Calendar and how it benefits women who need to make decisions about mastectomy and reconstruction. Read the rest of this entry »
Joining FORCEs is the FORCE newsletter with news, views and supportive information for individuals concerned about hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
Read the rest of this entry »
Pre-vivor support
Confronting your personal cancer risk can be confusing and frustrating. If you are a cancer pre-vivor trying to choose the best risk-management option, sometimes it helps to speak with other women who have faced these choices. Learn more about talking with other high-risk women in our website’s FORCE community section or visit the following sections of the FORCE website to find more support resources specifically for pre-vivors. Read the rest of this entry »
Joining FORCEs, the quarterly FORCE newsletter, has articles on breast and ovarian cancer risk management. Volume 1, Issue 2–Fall 2005 has an article on PARP Inhibitors for hereditary cancer treatment, an article on the benefits of exercise on cancer risk and an article on breast reconstruction.
Investing in Cancer Prevention: Giving High-Risk Stakeholders a Place at the Table
This article, published in the August 25, 2005 edition of the Oncology Times, discusses the importance of including pre-vivors as stakeholders in decisions regarding cancer research and funding priorities.
FORCE pre-vivor press release
Up to 14% of ovarian cancer is due to a hereditary change such as a BRCA mutation. Because such a significant portion of ovarian cancer is hereditary, an appointment with an expert such as a geneticist or a genetic counselor is often recommended after an ovarian cancer diagnosis. Learning that ovarian cancer is hereditary may change follow-up recommendations. Further, if a cancer survivor is the first person to have a genetic test in a family, his/her test result may help identify the cause of hereditary cancer in this family. This information can help other family members make decisions about genetic counseling and testing. Read the rest of this entry »
About 10% of breast cancer is due to a hereditary change such as a BRCA mutation. Sometimes, either because of a family history of cancer or because of particular traits of the cancer itself, a diagnosis of breast cancer may suggest that the cancer is hereditary. In these circumstances an appointment with an expert, such as a geneticist or a genetic counselor, is recommended. Hereditary breast cancer and sporadic breast cancer are similar in some ways, but there are also significant differences. Learning that breast cancer is hereditary may change treatment or follow-up recommendations for breast cancer. Also, if a cancer survivor is the first person to have a genetic test in a family, his/her test result may help identify the cause of hereditary cancer in this family. This information can help other family members make decisions about genetic counseling and testing. Read the rest of this entry »
“Cancer pre-vivors®” are individuals who are survivors of a predisposition to cancer but who haven’t had the disease. This group includes people who carry a hereditary mutation, a family history of cancer, or some other predisposing factor. The cancer pre-vivor term evolved from a challenge on the FORCE main message board by Jordan, a website regular, who posted, “I need a label!” As a result, the term cancer pre-vivor was chosen to identify those living with risk. The term specifically applies to the portion of our community which has its own unique needs and concerns separate from the general population, but different from those already diagnosed with cancer. Pre-vivor is a registered trademark by FORCE. Read the rest of this entry »
Publicity material
Help us raise awareness of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and inform people about FORCE. You can order samples or larger quantities of FORCE materials. Read the rest of this entry »
Volunteer Opportunities
Do you want to make a difference? Do you feel passionate about FORCE and genetic and hereditary cancer issues?
Volunteers are the backbone of FORCE and as we grow, we need you more than ever.
FORCE has many opportunities for people to get involved in significant ways to raise awareness, educate others, or help promote research on hereditary cancer. Please consider volunteering today and helping FORCE grow. Read the rest of this entry »
FORCE accepts sponsorships and donations from individuals, corporations and institutions. All corporate and institutional sponsors are acknowledged on our website; individual donors who have contributed $1000 or over may request acknowledgement on our website unless they prefer to remain anonymous. Sponsors can support a particular FORCE program or provide general operating support. If your company is interested in sponsoring us, contact: Read the rest of this entry »
The Little Shop at FORCE
Help raise awareness and support FORCE by purchasing items from our online store. The shop features pink and teal logo items including t-shirts, pins, and bracelets.
Please help FORCE — without spending extra money — when you shop online. Through iGive.com, you can arrange for FORCE to receive a portion of your purchase price at online merchants such as Amazon.com, Lands’ End, and others. Please consider making this small change in your online shopping routine.
Donations to FORCE are tax-deductible. 100% of the funds go to the organization to continue our mission. Many companies will also match donations made by their employees. Please ask your employer if your company has a matching gifts policy. Read the rest of this entry »
If you’re reading this, you’re probably worried about your risk for cancer. Whether you’re just beginning to explore this issue or you’re further along in your journey, this page is addressed to you. Thinking about cancer can be scary, but we believe that receiving information and support is comforting, empowering, or even life-saving. Take a deep breath and try to relax. As you navigate this site, take time to digest the information and determine what it means for you. Read the rest of this entry »
Families share more than genes, physical features and medical traits. Other elements that relatives have in common—backgrounds, relationships, and dynamics—sometimes affect communication between family members, often concerning private health issues or medical histories. In some families, particularly with older members who consider cancer, breasts and ovaries very private matters never to be discussed, this lack of communication withholds critically important health information from other relatives who may be affected. Read the rest of this entry »
Pre-vivor support
Confronting your personal cancer risk can be confusing and frustrating. If you are a cancer pre-vivor trying to choose the best risk-management option, sometimes it helps to speak with other women who have faced these choices. Learn more about talking with other high-risk women in our website’s support section or visit the following sections of the FORCE website to find more support resources specifically for pre-vivors: Read the rest of this entry »
FORCE has produced the following publications that relate to hereditary cancer. Feel free to print these for your own use. Our brochures, newsletters and some of our other publications are also available in single or larger quantities and can be ordered through our pubication order form. Read the rest of this entry »
Risk assessment
Although everyone is at risk for cancer during his or her lifetime, cancer risk is individual. Many factors affect a person’s risk, including gender, age, family history, history of hormone exposure, and others. Cancer risk assessment refers to the use of tools and statistics to determine an individual’s risk for cancer. Risk assessment helps health care providers determine an individual’s best options for cancer screening, follow-up, and risk management. The benefits derived from different screening and risk management options often depend on the estimated cancer risk of an individual. Read the rest of this entry »
All cancers are caused by changes to materials in our bodies called “genes.” These are units of information in every cell of our bodies. Everyone has two copies of each gene, one from each parent. During development, genes tell our cells what type of tissue to become—a skin cell vs. a muscle cell, for example—and in later life, when to divide and make more cells. Genes also determine which proteins to make based on the type of cell and its needs. Some genes tell our bodies how to repair damage from environmental toxins, sun exposure, dietary factors, hormones, and other influences, or tell our cells when to stop growing. Read the rest of this entry »
Genetic testing involves taking a sample of blood or tissue in order to learn more about a person’s genes. Genetic testing can be used to determine if someone has changes in their genes that make them more likely to be diagnosed with certain diseases such as cancer. Genetic tests that measure likelihood for a disease are called “predictive genetic tests.”
There is a predictive blood test available that can determine if a person carries a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2, the most common genes involved in hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. This test does not determine whether a person has cancer or not; it indicates whether a person carries a change in one of these genes. Read the rest of this entry »
The FORCE toll-free helpline/hotline was developed as a collaboration between the University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Cancer Center and FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered. Initial funding for the helpline was through a grant to the Abramson Cancer Center from the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program. The helpline has received ongoing support from the University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Cancer Center. Read the rest of this entry »
Joining FORCEs, the quarterly FORCE newsletter, includes articles about research, finding quality health care and genetic discrimination. Volume 1, Issue 2–Fall 2005 features an update on the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act and an article on genetic counseling and testing in African Americans.
Genetic information can refer to family history of a disease or a genetic test result. Genetic discrimination occurs when a person is treated differently because he or she has an inherited disorder or is at risk to develop an inherited disorder. Most concerns about genetic discrimination relate to discrimination by health insurance companies and by employers. Read the rest of this entry »
The cost of genetic testing ranges from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Costs vary according to factors including:
Research is the best way for the medical community to discover better methods to detect, prevent, or treat diseases such as cancer, or to improve quality of life. These discoveries are made through careful study of different medical options to determine benefits, limitations, and risks compared with current standard care. Participating in research allows people to contribute to medical knowledge and offers the opportunity to receive cutting-edge care. Participation in research is not without risk; and, in order to receive funding, researchers must follow stringent guidelines to assure all participants are aware of the risks and their rights prior to participating in research. The guidelines require “informed consent,” which explains the following to Read the rest of this entry »
Overview
Our knowledge of hereditary cancer genetics is rapidly advancing, as new information is being discovered at an accelerated pace. Consulting with an expert who is knowledgeable in cancer genetics is the best way to ensure information received is up-to-date and credible. Read the rest of this entry »
FORCE allows researchers with IRB approved research projects to recruit participants through the FORCE website or through our electronic-mailing list. Read the rest of this entry »
FORCE can provide experienced speakers for conferences, panels, interviews, and presentations. We keep a list FORCE members willing to share their personal experiences and experts from our health care advisory board who are willing to share their expertise. Read the rest of this entry »
FORCE maintains a list of support groups specifically focused on hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. Please contact us to add your support group to our list.
FORCE maintains a list FORCE members who are willing to share their personal experiences and experts from our health care advisory board who are willing to share their expertise with the media. Read the rest of this entry »
To receive the FORCE newsletter in the mail … please complete the form below. Read the rest of this entry »
Mailing address: Read the rest of this entry »
Introduction to advocacy
Advocacy can involve passing out flyers at an event, giving a talk or writing an article about cancer, or writing a letter to elected officials asking them to support a new law. Read the rest of this entry »