Advocate to share family’s cancer story

PINK HOPE advocate Rochelle McKenry will be sharing her experience carrying the BRCA2 genetic mutation as part of Women’s Health Week in Moorabool Shire.

The BRCA2 genetic mutation increases a person’s risk of developing breast, ovarian and prostate cancer.

One in 400 people carry a gene mutation that puts them at risk of cancer and 15 to 18 per cent of ovarian cancers have a hereditary link.

“My family have 13 known carriers of the BRCA2 gene,” said Ms McKenry.

“I lost my great-grandmother to ovarian cancer, my grandmother to breast cancer, my aunty went through breast cancer throughout COVID, my mum carries the gene and I carry the gene.

“I share my personal story with a lot of people because of the importance of being able to make a plan.”

Despite having an increased risk of developing certain cancers, Ms McKenry said she see’s this knowledge as a positive thing.

“I can afford to make a plan and have three mammograms a year,” she said.

“I had risk removal surgery last year in September to remove my ovaries and fallopian tubes.

“I can make a plan; my plan is my plan and it’s my wishes and requests.”

Ms McKenry said it is important for people to understand their family’s medical history even if they don’t get genetic testing.

“It is quite expensive to go for the genetic testing so if we can talk about it and talk about knowing your family health history, they you might be more inspired to seek out avenues to become part of the Familial Cancer Centre which is government funded,” she said.

“Understanding your family health history helps you, it helps those around you and most importantly, it helps the next generation.”

The event will be held at Lerderderg Library on Monday 2 September. To book a place in the session, visit the Moorabool Shire Council website.