Cancer Council Queensland to host free webinar for women diagnosed with breast cancer genes

Cancer Council will next week host a free national webinar for women who carry BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genes for breast cancer.

The webinar, Challenging Choices, to be held Tuesday 24 September from 7:30pm, will assist women considering their options and individual risk of breast cancer.

The online forum will feature three women identified as carriers of the BRCA 1 and/or BRCA 2 gene, allowing the webinar audience to ask questions, share fears and connect with others.

Topics discussed will include implications for family planning and fertility, body image and preventive action.

Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said the webinar would provide access to broader personal support for women who have a genetic risk of breast cancer.

“Women diagnosed with the BRCA 1 and/or BRCA 2 gene, and those with concerns about how genetics influence their cancer risk, will receive relevant information to help them make informed decisions,” Ms Clift said.

“Hosting this event online enables women from around Queensland to join the conversation and receive support.

“This is a great opportunity for families in regional and rural areas to receive information that they otherwise may not have access to.”

Cancer Council Queensland encourages Queensland women to stay well-informed and talk to their GP about their personal risk of breast cancer.

“It’s important all women discuss their individual risk of breast cancer and steps to prevent breast cancer with a trained professional,” Ms Clift said.

“All women should be breast aware by checking their breasts regularly. It’s critically important that women who notice changes in their breasts see their doctor immediately.

“If breast cancer is found and treated early, there is increased chance of surviving the disease.”

Queenslanders can register for the free webinar, this Tuesday 24 September from 7:30pm to 8:30pm, via cancervic.org.au, or by calling Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.

In June, more than 500 people logged on to a similar webinar hosted by Cancer Council to address growing community concern about Angelina Jolie’s decision to undergo a preventive double mastectomy, after discovering she had the BRCA 1 gene.

Enquiries about the costs and genetic testing process, the difference between breast cancer genes and advice on lifestyle adjustments to reduce the risk of breast cancer were answered. A recording of this webinar is now available on YouTube.

Women with questions about breast cancer or breast cancer prevention and screening are also invited to call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.