I am still a woman - Confessions of a twice cancer survivor - my journey by Nina Ann McCurley

What is the official name of the  BRCA2  gene? The official name of this gene is “breast cancer 2, early onset.” BRCA2  is the gene's official symbol. The  BRCA2  gene is also known by other names, listed below. What is the normal function of the  BRCA2  gene? The  BRCA2  gene belongs to a class of genes known as tumor suppressor genes. Like many other tumor suppressors, the protein produced from the  BRCA2  gene helps prevent cells from growing and dividing too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way. The  BRCA2  gene provides instructions for making a protein that is directly involved in the repair of damaged DNA. In the nucleus of many types of normal cells, the BRCA2 protein interacts with several other proteins, including the proteins produced from the  RAD51  and  PALB2  genes, to mend breaks in DNA. These breaks can be caused by natural and medical radiation or other environmenta...

What is the normal function of the  BRCA1  gene? The  BRCA1  gene belongs to a class of genes known as tumor suppressor genes. Like many other tumor suppressors, the protein produced from the  BRCA1  gene helps prevent cells from growing and dividing too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way. The  BRCA1  gene provides instructions for making a protein that is directly involved in repairing damaged DNA. In the nucleus of many types of normal cells, the BRCA1 protein interacts with several other proteins, including the proteins produced from the  RAD51  and  BARD1  genes, to mend breaks in DNA. These breaks can be caused by natural and medical radiation or other environmental exposures, and also occur when chromosomes exchange genetic material in preparation for cell division. By helping repair DNA, BRCA1 plays a role in maintaining the stability of a cell's genetic information. Research suggests that the BRCA1 protein ...

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that restores shape to your breast after mastectomy — surgery that removes your breast to treat or prevent breast cancer. Breast reconstruction with flap surgery is a type of breast reconstruction that involves taking a section of tissue from one area of your body and relocating it to your chest to create a new breast mound. Breast reconstruction with flap surgery is a complex procedure performed by a plastic surgeon. Much of the breast reconstruction using your body's own tissue can be accomplished at the time of your mastectomy. However, you'll need a second operation to achieve a correctly positioned, natural-appearing breast or to perform nipple reconstruction.

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that restores shape to your breast after mastectomy — surgery that removes your breast to treat or prevent breast cancer. One type of breast reconstruction uses breast implants — silicone devices filled with silicone or salt water (saline) — to reshape your breasts. Breast reconstruction with breast implants is a complex procedure performed by a plastic surgeon. The breast reconstruction process can start at the time of your mastectomy or it can be done as a delayed procedure. The breast reconstruction process usually requires two or more operations — and several visits to your doctor — to insert, position and fill the breast implants. Breast reconstruction won't re-create the exact look and feel of your natural breast. However, the contour of your new breast may restore a silhouette similar to what you had before mastectomy.

I am still a woman but I have 3 sons that I absolutely adore. I am always keen to make mens cancer awareness just as important as woman.  Andrew De Silva’s knowledge of the Australian music scene stems back further than most. A taste of fame in the nineties as part of popular music group CDB has set the stage for what anyone can see is an exciting second chance for this amazing vocalist. His incredible success as the Seven Network’s ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ Winner has also allowed Andrew to tell his story to the world. “Cancer research is so important to me. Not only has it affected me personally, but it has also affected my family and so many friends,” Andrew told us. “I’ve watched it take the lives of the young & old, and then it also changes the lives of the people that are left behind.” Andrew has touched so many hearts as he has progressed through the reality television competition and shared his progressive soul/rock originals. We are delighted and hu...

This was released on 3rd July, exciting news. I am always keen to see progress in this area.  Young Australian males will receive the HPV vaccine (Gardasil) free of charge in a world-first public health measure that will help prevent a range of cancers. Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek announced the plan yesterday at the Diamantina Institute in Queensland, where the vaccine was developed by Professor Ian Frazer and his team. The HPV vaccine has already contributed to a decrease in pre-cancerous cervical lesions in young women. When administered to males, it will help prevent cancers of the genital tract, some types of head and neck cancers, and it will also enhance the vaccine’s effectiveness in women. Boys aged 12 – 13 will receive the vaccine through school-based programs under the National Immunisation Program, with Year 9 boys also included in a two-year catch-up plan. Professor Ian Frazer, co-creator of the vaccine and Chairman of the ACRF Medical Re...

An enormous thank you to all those involved in this year's Mother's Day Classic. The organisers, Women in Super have announced a record $4 million was raised this year alone. This brings the Mother's Day Classic's total contribution to breast cancer research to $14.8 million in 15 years - an astounding effort.   The 2012 Women in Super's Mother's Day Classic took place on Sunday, May 13th. At a total of 53 locations across Australia, 125,000 women, men and children joined together to show their support for those affected by breast cancer and to help raise funds for research. Founded 15 years ago by Mavis Robertson & Louise Davidson, the event has grown from 2000 participants in Melbourne to now the largest national charity fun run in Australia. Louise Davidson, co-founder & National Chair of the Mother's Day Classic, said " This year's fundraising success builds on more than $3 million raised at last year's event. I am absolutely delig...