early genetic testing for cancer

May God and the universe bless your journey and give you all of the tools you need to succeed. What an inspiration you are! Rock on...

Thank you, Ms. Gioia, for sharing your story; you've probably already saved lives by doing so. You are truly remarkable!

Thank you Hartford Courant for making this front page news,awareness is the beginning to successful recovery. And Mrs. Gioia, to not sit back and just endure, but to inform women young and old that this gene exists and the diagnosis of it can save your life is truly a giving generous act. I wish you and your family all the best.

Thank you, Jessica. You are one courageous breast cancer survivor! What an inspriation you are.

im 42 i tested positive for the brac1 test i have 4 children i am choosing to have a double mastectomy and my ovaries out ASAP

Hi Jessica, I'm Director of Bright Pink's CT chapter and think you would be a great addition to our team. Please check out our website (www.bebrightpink.org ). Feel free to email me at Genna@bebrightpink.org

Bright Pink is a national non-profit organization that provides education and support to young women who are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. We arm young women with knowledge, options and a great attitude, and offer companionship and empathy during their journey. We empower them to take control of their breast and ovarian health and in turn, grant them the freedom and peace of mind to live a beautiful and fulfilling life.

I know people who got incarcerated for defending children against people who threatened them with a gun. And they saved these children's lives. A typical domestic violence situation. In addition to the prison time, they aren't getting access to medical tests even though they've requested them. Health care in prison sucks.

My wife was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer this past September. Then she had a double mastectomy in December. Reconstructive surgery last Friday. She is 48. Her Mother had breast cancer 25 years ago but then died in her 70's from a recurrence of cancer. Her Aunt had breast cancer. An Uncle had breast cancer. She was tested for the BRCA gene and it came back negative.

Some wonder why, if the test was negative, did she have the double mastectomy? Because of the strong family history. If I learned one thing going through this with my wife is that every breast cancer case is so very very different. I had some people intimate that my wife had the double mastectomy because she wanted "new boobs". Or we would get advice on what to do from people who went through breast cancer 20 years ago. Well meaning, but the treatment and complexities of breast cancer change constantly. If you get diagnosed listen to your medical team and know that each case is very different.

The only constant I can say is that early detection of any cancer is critical. After that, thanks to the work of so many, the options and decisions available to women (and men) for the treatment of breast cancer (and many other types of cancer) are many. And, thankfully, the chances for my wife and Ms. Gioia to live long and healthy lives after breast cancer treatments are great indeed.

Of course my wife is now considered a cancer "survivor". Truth is, she has been a survivor for over 20 years. She's been married to me. I assure you, that is being a real survivor.

Long life Ms. Gioia. Thank you for your wonderful leadership.

this video was very uplifting and helpful, I just had a complete massectomy 8 days ago, I need something positive to help me get through this. Thanks a lot!!!