Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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September 29, 2021
WHEREAS, Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) syndrome is an inherited condition that can affect any individual, regardless of gender, and increase the risk of breast, ovarian, fallopian tube, prostate, peritoneal, and pancreatic cancer, as well as melanoma; and,
WHEREAS, HBOC is primarily associated with pathogenic variants (mutations) in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes (BRCA1/2); genetic counseling and testing are available to determine risk; and,
WHEREAS, it is estimated that in 2018, approximately 1,330 cases of breast cancer and 141 cases of ovarian cancer were due to a hereditary cancer syndrome in Michigan; furthermore, it is estimated that 1 in 400 people in the United States and 1 in 40 people of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry have a BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant; and,
WHEREAS, having a BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant increases the risk of breast cancer, particularly at a young age, for any individual regardless of gender; pathogenic variants in the BRCA1/2 gene also pose a higher risk for developing ovarian cancer; and,
WHEREAS, for individuals diagnosed with HBOC, earlier and more frequent screening, and other risk management strategies can help reduce the impact of cancers associated with HBOC; and,
WHEREAS, national evidence-based recommendations have been made for health care providers to evaluate familial risk in individuals with a personal or family history of cancer or ancestry associated with increased risk of a pathogenic variant in the BRCA1/2 gene; and,
WHEREAS, during this week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services joins with the Michigan Cancer Genetics Alliance and Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered to raise awareness of HBOC; we encourage all residents to gather their family history of cancer and talk with their health care provider to determine their need for genetic counseling and appropriate genetic testing for HBOC to achieve earlier cancer risk assessment, detection, and prevention;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of September 26 - October 2, 2021, as Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week in Michigan.