The struggle of life requires courage and tenacity, and the Geneticancer association illustrates this perfectly.
The Geneticancer association illustrates this perfectly. Geneticancer is a French association created in 2016, whose missions are to raise public awareness of genetic or hereditary cancers, but also to support affected families (listening, information on genetic testing, support). It also supports research by funding projects on genetic predispositions to cancer. It has a network of ambassadors in many regions to represent the voices of patients and families. Laetitia Mendes is the founder and president of the Geneticancer association, which fights against genetic cancers. As a BRCA2 mutation carrier herself, she underwent a preventive double mastectomy at the age of 26. Her commitment is to inform and support affected families and break the taboos surrounding hereditary cancers.
Knowing how to protect yourself from genetic cancer
Genetic cancer is cancer caused by a mutation in a gene that is sometimes passed down from generation to generation. This is referred to as a hereditary predisposition to cancer. The main cancers that can be genetic in origin are breast and ovarian cancer. Hereditary cancers include colorectal cancer and prostate cancer, familial melanoma and hereditary pancreatic cancer. Only a small proportion of cancers (between 5 to 10%) are actually hereditary, so it is important to protect yourself from this possibility by detecting it as early as possible.
If you have a family history of cancer, you should first have a genetic test and specialist follow-up. Adopt a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising, quitting smoking immediately and limiting alcohol consumption. Regular early screening (mammograms, colonoscopies, etc.) should be carried out depending on the risk. Discuss preventive options with a doctor, such as preventive treatments or prophylactic surgery in certain cases.
The transition from pink to purple ribbon
During October, we are all made aware of the fight against breast cancer. It is represented by a pink ribbon, a symbol of prevention, screening and solidarity. The purple ribbon symbolises awareness of several serious diseases, including Alzheimer’s, pancreatic cancer, testicular cancer and domestic violence. This helps to broaden the campaign and raise awareness.
Our opinion on the genetic cancer charity evening
The evening took place at the Bowmann Hotel for the second year running. In this month of solidarity, a raffle was organised with prizes to be won, such as Livy lingerie, a massage session, and the book by founder Laetitia Mendes, Mon petit gène, ma seconde chance (My little gene, my second chance), which offered us an emotional but above all hopeful testimony. We managed to raise €1,745 for the charity. The important thing in life is not triumph, but the struggle itself.
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