BRCA Support Groups

Public Archive
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I was diagnosed with the BRCA2+ gene back in March 2005 just a week after my 40th Birthday. I’d known for around 3 years that I was likely to have the gene as my Aunt had tested positive after having breast cancer 3 times and ovarian cancer too. My maternal grandmother died of ovarian cancer also.

When I was awaiting the test (which took 3 years after all the toing and froing to see genetics specialists and councillers)I tried to do some research into the gene and couldn’t come up with much. Since then there have been groups popping up all over the place and I just wanted to make others with either the BRCA1/2+ gene aware of these. I have not found many “face to face” support groups but loads online.

Facebook have a few groups and if you would like to “add me as a friend” I can point you in the right direction. There is also brcaumbrella.ning which is a very good site set up by a fellow “BRCA Sister” of mine Leigh-Ann Jones.

People who are BRCA+ from all over the world have joined some of the facebook groups and also brcaumbrella too.

Best Wishes
Karen McCluskey

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I’d be interested in these groups. Which Karen McC are you, as there are 2 listed?

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There was a telephone support group run by BCC in 2008 but it was a pilot and not sure if it was ever run again.

There is the US site FORCE which is okay and has good information.

There is a support group at the Marsden which has a Google Group too and the ladies meet up socially from time-to-time.

It depends on what sort of suport you are seeking really.

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Not looking for support as such-our local genetic team are excellent in this respect. But think it would be good to chat with others who have to deal with the implications of havinga genetic misprint.

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Hello all,

Just reading your thread I wanted to just mention that BCC does run Telephone Support Groups for people who have been diagnosed as breast cancer gene carriers.

There are two groups that are both starting in February, so this would be good timing for you if you are interested.

The first is for people who are gene carriers but have NOT had a breast cancer diagnosis. This runs on a Monday evening 8-9pm, starting February 22nd.

The second is for people who are gene carriers but HAVE had a breast cancer diagnosis. This runs on Tuesdays 11-12 noon, starting February 23rd.

Both groups run once a week at the same time for six weeks, are facilitated by a genetic counsellor and one of our nurses and are over the phone.

As with all our services the groups are free and provide the opportunity to share experiences, gain support in a safe place.

If you are interested in registering or finding out more, please call 0845 077 1893 or 0114 263 6490 to speak to a member of the Peer Support Team.

Thanks, Camilla.