Friends of BRCA

People don’t get tested for many reasons: fear, family dynamics, denial or they just aren’t ready. We always advocate people should be tested if known mutations are in the family. Sometimes there is a lack of knowledge of the subject area. Don’t push them, but maybe encourage them gently, and remind them that there is support available through the process.

This is to be expected. Please encourage them to reach out to the BRCA community. We are a lovely bunch of coconuts, and all of us are willing to help. There are many support groups across the UK. Tell them to message me, @BRCAchatter, I do some fab match making.

If your friend has a BRCA gene mutation, it is fortunate they know about it. It can help save their life. They are not getting a free boob job (see the mastectomy section). A mastectomy is a very complicated operation, which removes a huge part of womanhood. It has an emotional toll and there is risk of complications. It is difficult. Please don’t tell your friend they are lucky for this reason.

Remember, a BRCA gene mutation isn’t a cancer diagnosis. Whilst it increases the risk of cancer it isn’t a certainty. There are lots of options available for your friend to prevent the risks of cancer. BRCA awareness saves lives.

• Are you doing an Angelina Jolie?
• You didn’t want kids anyway!
• You are lucky you don’t have to breast feed.
• Cancer is environmental – just eat well.
• I want a boob job now!

• I don’t know what to say.
• What do you want to do?
• How do you feel about it?
• That blows, what can I do to help?
• I am here for you pal.

Note: We are all different, and want different responses at different stages of our journey. Sometimes it’s not about words, but gestures of love.