Isnt it amazing, now I am one of those annoying people who are always mouthing off about never having flu or colds and i dont.
Just read today in the paper that a Gene has been found which fights flu but may also cause breast cancer. Which is what i have/had and it goes on to say the gene is vital to antibodies that combat such infections as the common cold, but it can turn deadly if set off by the hormone oestrogen! I am on arimidex now for the next 5 years.
It was interesting and exciting to read as it proves all the walks we do for breast cancer eg, breakthrough/moonwalk etc and I did do these before i was diagnosed, the money we raise does help with research into this dreadful disease.
It would be a miracle if a cure was found for all cancers in our lifetime i hope i live long enough to see that as headlines in the newspaper.
Just wanted to share this bit of info to fellow BC ladies.
Take care
Janxxxxxxxxxx
FormerMember
I have been surprised that no mention/discussion is going on about the "genetically selected" baby born recently. For those who may have missed the story (? how) here is the article from the Daily Express.
<em>
Cancer screening mother defends decision
Sunday January 11,2009
The mother of Britain's first baby selected genetically to be free of a breast cancer gene said she hopes her daughter's birth will help other families.
She likened the disease to a sword of Damocles hanging over her family and said to be able to eliminate that risk was priceless.
Her baby, born last week, grew from an embryo screened to ensure it did not contain the faulty BRCA1 gene, which passes the risk of breast cancer down generations.
Any daughter born with the gene has a 50% to 85% chance of developing breast cancer.
The birth has prompted a debate about the ethics of embryo screening.
The 26-year-old mother, who wants to remain anonymous, said she decided to undergo the screening process after seeing all her husband's female relatives have the disease.
Speaking to a newspaper, she said: "To be able to look at our daughter and to know that she doesn't have the gene is a massive sigh of relief for us. We have eliminated that risk and that is priceless.
"Having watched my husband's family go through what they have been through, knowing that [my daughter] doesn't need to go through that, makes it all worthwhile. I hope this encourages others to do the same."
The baby's 28-year-old father said: "A massive amount of credit has to go to my wife for undergoing what was effectively an invasive procedure of IVF for a problem which wasn't her own but was from my side of the family. Talking about how we felt about it probably brought us closer together.
"There are many pitfalls my children may go through in life that I cannot predict for them. We do know about this one and that is why we felt a duty to do something about it."</>
That's really interesting. I haven't got breast cancer but still found it a fascinating piece of info so thanks. Good luck with your 5 years on arimidex. Any side effects?
Keep up with the walks etc. Makes it all worthwhile, doesn't it?
