National Hereditary Cancer Week is an opportunity to shine the light on hereditary cancer, impart knowledge and save lives. Let’s join together to make a difference!
On September 15, 2010, history was made with the unanimous passage of H. Res. 1522, the Congressional resolution declaring the first-ever National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Week and National Previvor Day. Last year, on the 10th anniversary of HBOC Week, FORCE renamed the week to recognize and honor all people affected by hereditary cancer.
This year, National Hereditary Cancer Week is September 26 – October 2, 2021 and National Previvor Day is September 29th. FORCE has grown to support not only the hereditary breast and ovarian cancer community, but also the millions of individuals and families facing hereditary colorectal, endometrial, melanoma, pancreatic, prostate and other cancers.
National Hereditary Cancer Week is a time to recognize and honor those who have been affected by hereditary cancer. This includes people with Lynch syndrome or an inherited mutation in BRCA1/2, ATM, BRIP1,CHEK2, PALB2, PTEN, RAD51C/D or other gene associated with hereditary cancer. It is also an opportunity to acknowledge hereditary cancer survivors, previvors, caregivers and their families.
You can help us support those affected by hereditary cancer by informing others about hereditary cancer and the steps they can take to protect their health. As many as 90% of the millions of people who have a genetic mutation that causes or predisposes them to cancer are unaware of their risk. Spreading awareness will save lives.
As we prepare for National Hereditary Cancer Week and National Previvor Day, we hope that you will join us and get involved. Simple acts can make a difference: consider bringing FORCE brochures to your health care providers (you can order them for free online). Follow FORCE on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. Tell your friends about National Hereditary Cancer Week and National Previvor Day on social media, and tag your posts with #HereditaryCancerWeek and #PrevivorDay. Collectively, we can honor and remember all who have been impacted by hereditary cancer and, most importantly, spread the word so that others can learn as well. Knowledge is power! We hope you will join us in recognizing these important days.