Living in a High-Risk Family

In this presentation, I share my experiences as a fourth generation breast cancer survivor and, subsequently, as an ardent advocate of breast cancer issues. My presentation is informed, in great part, by the experiences of my great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, and three sisters, all of whom suffered the ravages of breast cancer. It is informed, in even greater part, by my own bout with breast cancer with which I was initially diagnosed at the age of thirty-two. Despite two separate mastectomies, I have survived the disease for more than nineteen years. This presentation, therefore, identifies issues associated with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer, highlights the particular vulnerability of African American women, and advocates awareness and education as a key to breast cancer survivorship. Genetic predisposition to breast cancer dictates precautions of which women of all races and nationalities must be aware. This presentation utilizes the most recent data in identifying and assessing the efficacy of those precautions, including mammography, self-breast examination, diet, drug therapy, and surgery. It also reviews the role of scientific studies and clinical trials in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer. Developments in genetic mapping are particularly promising. My broad experience with breast cancer led to my founding the Breast Cancer Resource Committee, a non-profit organization that has as its purpose the provision of education initiatives and support, particularly for African American women, who bear an unequal burden in the war against breast cancer. While breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among all women, it is the leading cause of cancer death among African American women. Although awareness and early precautions do not necessarily prevent breast cancer, they remain central to breast cancer survivorship. My own family history, as well as the 1.3 million breast cancer survivors in my country, documents this reality.