Vote to help Yale start a chapter of Camp Kesem

Vote here to help Yale start a chapter of Camp Kesem - a free, life-changing summer camp for children affected by a parent’s cancer.

The chapter has successfully made it through the application process and is now competing in an online voting process that will determine if they receive funding for the materials and training to bring Camp Kesem to Yale!

Help bring this great program to Yale - vote at:
http://www.vote.livestrong.org/regions/7/26-Yale-University/ Read more!

Are Gene Patents Blocking Personalized Medicine?

Race to patent the BRCA1/2 genes won by a private company with one day to spare - the information was published widely the next day by another group. The BRCA patents have allowed a private company to hold a complete monopoly on BRCA testing in the U.S.

In a few weeks, ACLU lawyers will ask Supreme Court judges to invalidate patents on human genes. Their case centers on a technical argument: Products of nature are not patentable by law. Lawyers representing Myriad Genetics will argue the opposite by saying that researchers alter DNA by sequencing it.

Read more here: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/next/body/gene-patents-and-personalized-medicine/ Read more!

When Genetic Testing Can Be Dangerous to Your Health

Oprah Magazine presents more evidence for the critical role genetic counselor play in the genetic testing process.

Read the full article at: http://www.oprah.com/health/Genetic-Testing-Dangers-DNA-Research-Breakthroughs Read more!

BRCA Patent Case

Keep up-to-date on the patent case regarding the BRCA genes by visiting this extensive resource: http://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/association-for-molecular-pathology-v-myriad-genetics-inc/?wpmp_switcher=desktop

The Supreme Court is slated to hear arguments in April 2013. Read more!

Did you see Smilow Cancer Hospital's Flash Mob Commercial on the Super Bowl? Watch it here!

Want to see the full length version? See below...


Read more!

PARP Inhibitor Research Update

FORCE hosts a PARP Inhibitor Research Update

Thursday, February 28

12:00 noon EST / 9:00 am PST

Join FORCE for an update on PARP inhibitor research! PARP inhibitors are drugs being studied as targeted therapy for treating BRCA-related cancers. Whether you are newly diagnosed, in treatment, or investigating for a family member, this webinar will provide you with the latest information about the status of PARP inhibitor research. FORCE is pleased to present medical oncologist and researcher Susan Domcheck, MD, Executive Director of the Basser Research Center for BRCA as she explains more about the state of research on these drugs. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/274781610

Read more!

Your help is needed to complete this survey!

The patents on the BRCA genes are expected to be tried in the Supreme Court. In preparation for this, information is being collected about insurance coverage and access to testing. Please complete this survey to gather information for the United States Patent and Trademark Office regarding access to BRCA testing, insurance coverage, and opinions on 2nd opinion testing. The hearing on this topic is this Thursday afternoon, January 10, so please complete this survey as soon as possible!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/USPTOSurvey

Please pass this link along to other men and women at increased risk who have/had not had genetic testing or your health care providers Thank you for your help in getting this out to the community! Read more!

Come join this amazing group Saturday January 5th!

Saturday, January 5th
1:00-3:00pm AMF Lanes Milford
1717 Boston Post Road, Milford, CT

Proceeds from this year’s event to benefit Yale Cancer Genetic Counseling’s Hope Chest Fund
$30 Adults / $15 Children 12 & under
Entrance fee includes:

2 Hours of unlimited bowling - Shoe Rental - Food - Door Prizes

For more details or to register, visit: http://relentlessagainstcancer.org/events.php Read more!

The Supreme Court will hear arguments against the BRCA patents!

Huge, exciting news!! The Supreme Court announced that it will hear arguments in a case seeking to invalidate patents for two genes associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (BRCA1 and BRCA2).

Read more!

"Tough as Hell: Power in Pink"

This young woman's story is a must read! Genetic testing for breast cancer at age 27.

Here's an excerpt:
"Although some people may think finding out they have a genetic predisposition would be devastating, in my family, we view it as something positive. It gave us advanced warning of something that could cause our family harm and is how I caught my cancer early."

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-851205

Read more!