Think Pink Rocks is a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness about early detection of and genetic testing for breast cancer and to provide funding for screening, treatment and research.

Did You Know:

• A woman's risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer is greatly increased if she carries the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation (breast cancer gene).

• Men who carry the breast cancer gene also have an increased risk of breast and prostate cancer.

• According to estimates of lifetime risk, about 14% of women in the general population will develop breast cancer sometime during their lives compared with about 85% of women who have inherited a harmful BRCA gene mutation. In other words, a woman who has inherited a harmful BRCA gene mutation is about six times more likely to develop breast cancer than a woman who has not.

• Lifetime risk estimates for ovarian cancer among women in the general population indicate that 1.4% will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer compared with 15%-40% of women who have a harmful BRCA gene mutation.

• While BRCA gene mutations have been found in women (and men) from all backgrounds, its prevalence is higher among Jewish people of Eastern European descent (Ashkenazim).

• Women with a family history of breast and ovarian cancer or with a history of early onset breast cancer are also more likely to be carriers of the BRCA gene mutation.

Risk Factors for the Breast Cancer (BRCA) Gene Mutation – Quick Facts:

You should discuss genetic testing with your doctor if any of the following apply:

• You have two or more blood relatives -- mother, sister, aunt, cousin or daughter -- with premenopausal breast cancer or ovarian cancer diagnosed at any age.

• You have been diagnosed with breast cancer, especially if it was diagnosed before you reached menopause and you have a blood relative with breast or ovarian cancer.

• You have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and you have blood relatives who have had ovarian or breast cancer.

• You are related to someone (male or female) who has a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.

• You are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and you have blood relatives who have had breast or ovarian cancer, or you have had breast or ovarian cancer.

What can YOU do?

Now that you know the BRCA gene mutation exists, you can examine your family history and talk to your doctor to determine if genetic testing is appropriate for you. You can also help us spread the word and perhaps save a life by forwarding this link to your friends and family, everyone you know, particularly if it is someone whose family has been impacted by breast or ovarian cancer.