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 25, 2022
WHEREAS, Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) syndrome is an inherited condition that can affect any individual, regardless of gender, increasing the risk of breast, ovarian, fallopian tube, prostate, peritoneal, and pancreatic cancer, as well as melanoma; and,
WHEREAS, inherited genetic changes related to HBOC are primarily associated with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes (BRCA1/2), increasing risk up to 75% for female breast cancer, 6% for male breast cancer, 40% for ovarian cancer and 20% for prostate cancer; and,
WHEREAS, 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, increasing their chance of being diagnosed with cancer. In 2019, 575 new cases of ovarian cancer and 8,058 new cases of breast cancer were reported among Michiganders; and,
WHEREAS, having a BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant increases the risk for breast cancer among all genders, often affecting individuals at an early age, and can impact family members across generations; and,
WHEREAS, sharing your personal and family history of cancer with a health care provider can help determine if genetic counseling and/or testing would be appropriate; and,
WHEREAS, genetic testing gives individuals the opportunity to learn if a cancer diagnosis or family history of cancer is due to an inherited gene mutation, and may change screening and treatment options for individuals diagnosed with HBOC to manage their risk; 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 share this information with a health care provider so they may assist in preventing and detecting HBOC-related cancers;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, hereby proclaim September 25 - October 1, 2022, as Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week in Michigan.