BRCA1

To littleonion

BRCA is a gene located on the long arm of Chromosome 17. Certain variations of the gene lead to an increase risk for breast cancer. Women with an abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 have up to 60% chances of developing breast cancer by the age of 90.

A faulty BRCA gene stops it from its function of repairing DNA in the breast tissue or to destroy the damaged cells. This can lead to cancerous growths.

My auntie developed breast cancer four years ago. She had surgery and a partial mastectomy. She didn't tell anything to anyone until the day before surgery, and a week after she was hosting (at home) the christening of her first grandson. She single-handedly cooked a feast for 30 while she was horribly bruised and aching with open wounds. She never complained once.

She is still having treatment and things seem to be going fine. She's still working, looking after her grandchildren and keeping the family together. She's our rock.