Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered: HBOC Week

 

We’re just over a week out from the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month, and we couldn’t be more excited.

All of us at The Center for Natural Breast Construction are gearing up for the many events and activities that go on to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer treatments.

One of the events we look forward to every year is HBOC Week, which is organized by Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered.

This year, HBOC Week, also known as Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week, is being held September 25 through October 1, 2016. Previvor Day is September 28.

During this week, we recognize and celebrate those who have been affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

This includes everyone with hereditary breast, ovarian and related cancers, women and men with BRCA mutations, people with a family history of cancer, breast and ovarian cancer survivors, and previvors, who carry a strong predisposition to cancer but have not developed the disease.

When you join in on the celebration during this week, you can make a difference. Here’s how you can help celebrate:

  • Join the “For Our Future” Campaign and honor all those with HBOC by raising $250 between now and the end of October.
  • Visit TeamFORCE and learn about how you can support fundraising efforts.
  • See if you qualify to participate in research.

Millions of people (possibly your sibling, your parent, or best friend) carry an inherited BRCA mutation or have a family history of cancer, but many don’t know about their risk.  The goal of HBOC Week is to change that.

Together we can raise awareness and support a great cause.

Discover more about Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week and how you can get involved by visiting the website now.

Have you been involved in a previous HBOC Week?

Tell us what you loved about the event below!

Celebrating National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week

Image to the left taken from the FacingOurRisk.org website.

In the United States, at least one million people carry genes, such as the BRCA or breast cancer gene, that put them at risk for cancer. In 2010, a Congressional resolution created National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Week.

From September 25–October 2, 2011, HBOC Week raises awareness of hereditary cancer and recognizes those affected, including those with a family history of cancer, ovarian and breast cancer survivors, and previvors, those with a high risk of cancer who have not yet developed it.

Previvor Day is Wednesday, September 28, 2011, and a free teleconference with inspirational speaker and previvor Merit Gest will be held at noon EST. This event will focus on empowering previvors to understand the complex choices they face and make decisions about their health. To register, visit http://meritgest.com/national-previvor-day-september-28-2011.html.

HBOC Week falls in the week transitioning from Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During HBOC Week, Passing the Torch Ceremonies across the country pass a ceremonial flame from an ovarian cancer survivor to a breast cancer survivor to commemorate the transition.

The group FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered) is a community dedicated to fighting hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, and it has chapters throughout the U.S. Events during HBOC Week are scheduled by local FORCE groups and can be found at http://www.facingourrisk.org/events/HBOCWeekEvents.php. This year, chapters will be sponsoring walk / runs, film screenings, conferences, discussions, and charity events.

FORCE’s website offers the latest information and research on HBOC, and features webinars, books, and movies, as well as support to hereditary cancer victims and their families. FORCE holds an annual conference and HBOC forum during the summer, and focuses on cancer advocacy, education, and peer support. Visitors to the site will find inspiring artwork and blogs, a tribute wall, and the latest news about HBOC.

For more information, or to find out how you can help, visit http://www.facingourrisk.org.