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National Hereditary Cancer Week 2023

Posted 8 months ago in Cancer Awareness

National Hereditary Cancer Week (NHCW) and National Previvor Day serve as important reminders of the impact that hereditary cancer has on families. This time of year is an opportunity to spotlight hereditary cancer, impart knowledge and save lives. We hope you’ll add your voice to our #1FORCECommunity, so we can make a difference together!  

“NHCW is a chance to educate and spread awareness about hereditary cancer. As many as 90% of the millions of people who have a genetic mutation that causes or predisposes them to cancer are unaware of their risk. Let’s use this week to reach as many of these individuals as we can.” – Dr. Sue Friedman, FORCE Founder and Executive Director 

This year, National Hereditary Cancer Week is September 24 – September 30, and National Previvor Day is September 27. It has been 13 years since Congress unanimously passed a resolution (H. Res. 1522) establishing the first-ever National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week and National Previvor Day. Four years ago, FORCE renamed the week to ensure that all people affected by hereditary cancer are recognized and supported.  

National Hereditary Cancer Week is a time to acknowledge and honor everyone with a genetic mutation that increases their cancer risk, as well as the families and caregivers that support them. This includes people with Lynch syndrome or an inherited mutation in BRCA1/2, ATM, BRIP1, CHEK2, PALB2, PTEN, RAD51C/D or other gene associated with hereditary cancer. If you are a hereditary cancer survivor, previvor, caregiver or family member, this week is about honoring you and sharing information to help others who may be at an increased risk.   

Spreading awareness will save lives 

National Hereditary Cancer Week is an opportunity for healthcare providers, advocacy organizations and others affected to come together and raise awareness. We hope you will join in efforts to inform others about hereditary cancer risk so they can educate themselves and make informed medical decisions to protect their health. 

- FORCE-Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered

* Cancer previvors are individuals who have a predisposition to cancer but who haven’t yet had the disease. This group includes people who carry a proven inherited mutation, have a family history of cancer that defines them as high risk, or have another predisposing factor. The term specifically applies to the portion of our community that has its own unique needs and concerns separate from the general population, but is different from those already diagnosed with cancer. A previvor is a person who has an increased risk of being diagnosed with cancer due to a family history of cancer. – HBOC Society

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