| In a recent interview, a well-known congresswoman | | | | were found to have a mutated BRAC1 gene. |
| revealed that during a routine self-examination, she | | | | Moreover, more than 3% of Hispanic and over 2% |
| found a lump in her breast. After it was diagnosed as | | | | of white women who are not of Jewish descent |
| cancer, she opted to have a double mastectomy as | | | | were also found to carry the BRCA1 mutated gene. |
| well as the removal of her ovaries. | | | | Thus, it has become even more important that early |
| Ashkenazi Jewish women are at a higher risk for | | | | detection and screening be undertaken by performing |
| breast cancer. This is due to the abnormalities found | | | | self-examinations on a regular basis. In addition, |
| in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Not only are these | | | | having an annual mammography is essential. |
| abnormalities attributed to breast cancer, but there is | | | | It is recommended that you have a mammogram |
| also a risk of developing ovarian cancer as well. | | | | every year beginning at the age of 40, as well as a |
| In fact, statistics show that over 8% of Ashkenazi | | | | breast exam by a clinician beginning at the age of 20 |
| Jewish women had this BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation. | | | | every three years. Further, advise your doctor if |
| In a study conducted by the National Institute of | | | | there is any family history of breast cancer in your |
| Health, it was determined that Jewish women of | | | | family. |
| Ashkenazi descent had over a 50% chance of | | | | For women who are at a higher risk, such as |
| getting breast cancer and over a 15% chance of | | | | Ashkenazi Jewish women, an MRI may also be |
| getting ovarian cancer if they carried the BRAC1 or | | | | required, especially for women in their early 40s. |
| BRAC2 mutation. | | | | While not all lumps are cancerous, it is nonetheless |
| It was for this reason that this young women | | | | important that you notify your doctor if you do find |
| decided to have these multiple surgeries. | | | | a lump during self-examination. It should also be noted |
| In addition, during her research and discussion with | | | | that any noticeable changes in the breast such as |
| doctors, she found that African American women | | | | pain, discoloration, discharge, or change in shape or |
| had a higher risk of developing breast cancer. The | | | | size should also be reported. |
| statistics showed that over 15% of these women | | | | |