As someone with two inherited cancer gene mutations—MSH6 (Lynch syndrome) and CHEK2 — I know firsthand the emotional and practical complexities of navigating hereditary cancer risk. My journey began without what many might consider “classic” red flags — just a few scattered cancer cases in my family, none of which seemed connected at the time. However, my breast specialist, who takes a conservative approach to patient care, recommended genetic testing to rule out additional risk factors, as I was already considered high risk due to my extremely dense breasts.
That single recommendation opened the door to a journey filled with its share of ups and downs — preventative surgeries, extra screenings, and moments of uncertainty — but ultimately, I am grateful that there have been more ups than downs. Most importantly, it connected me with one of the most supportive communities I’ve ever encountered.
Through it all, I’ve found that curiosity has been my greatest source of strength. The more I’ve learned about my genetic risks, the more confident and in control I’ve felt— with ICARE providing support along the way. What once felt overwhelming now feels purposeful as I manage my care and help others do the same, all thanks to ICARE’s reliable and easy-to-understand resources.
Since joining ICARE, I have been invited to and have participated in the IMPACT Study, which aims to improve how care is delivered after receiving genetic test results. Through ICARE, I’ve contributed to focused research efforts like the IMPACT Study while staying connected to valuable updates that help me — and others — make informed decisions about our health.
One notable example of how this has helped me personally was receiving gene-specific updates when NCCN revised screening guidelines for my CHEK2 variant—a powerful reminder of how critical it is to stay engaged and informed as research evolves. Additionally, the information is so well laid out that I was able to send it to my family members who are interested in learning more while they consider genetic testing.
As a hereditary cancer Previvor, I am honored to support ICARE’s mission, which includes amplifying awareness through my podcast, The Positive Gene Podcast. Thisplatform has allowed me to reach out to others and share important information about hereditary cancer risk, including ICARE’s work. For instance, I recently hosted Dr. Tuya Pal (who founded and leads ICARE) on my podcast, discussing ICARE’s mission to make cancer genetics expertise more accessible—especially for those who might not otherwise have it.
Participating in ICARE is about more than staying ahead of cancer—it’s about working together to empower others. As a podcast host and advocate, one of my roles is to help share valuable resources from organizations like ICARE, so more people feel informed and supported on their journeys. I’m grateful to ICARE for the meaningful work they do every day, and I encourage them to keep going. I carry this spirit into every podcast closing: stay proactive, stay informed, and remember, you are never alone on this journey.