GENETICALLY INHERITABLE DISEASES BREAST CANCER By Ricki-Ann Stevens My name is Ricki-Ann Stevens. I am an American Citizen with Canadian roots. I began to do my family history as a way to relieve stress and became addicted to it. Through access to Canadian records, particularly census records, I am able to trace my lineage further and further back. The census records provided me with a wonderful starting point from which I have gathered much information about my family's heritage and history. I have also uncovered information about medical causes of death of several blood relatives. It seems "CANCER" and/or "CANCER OF THE BREAST" are a lot closer to home than I ever thought. This information scared me, but prompted me, at the age of 32 to get my first mammogram, when under normal circumstances it isn't even suggested until after age 40. By age 40 it may have been too late. There were abnormalities in the mammogram. I now go for follow-ups every 3-6 months at my physician's request to track any changes, and keep ahead of the "abnormality". If I had never found my great great-grandmother's name, I would have never found the names of her family, or theirs, or the "abnormality". I am deeply grateful to access of such records as census information, and truly believe it may just save my life. Breast cancer does "RUN" in my family, there is some genetic link, and now I am aware. AWARENESS IS HALF THE BATTLE. Preventing access to such records may prevent others from the advanced warning that I received. THAT WOULD BE TRAGIC. Respectfully Ricki-Ann Stevens USA <M1s112@aol.com> - 22 - ========================================== To all:- Ricki-Ann's submission, on behalf of all cancer victims, is the last one to be posted -- many thanks!!! I agree many areas or doctors do not prescribe mammograms because of the health $$$$$ -- the cost is minimal -- many would gladly pay for these exams and KNOW the "yes" or "no". Once you have cancer, the dratted gene is still in the body, ready to pounce should your system become less than healthy -- or just to remind mortals that disease is really the controller. Ricki-Ann's letter is a WAKE-UP call to all women to get this test -- I know it is uncomfortable, but rewarding when the report is negative. Muriel M. Davidson <davidson3542@home.com>