Happy Holidays! Wishing you love and peace XO Amy

FALL 2017 - Hereditary Cancer News

Palm Beach Post - October 17, 2017

Like Angelina Jolie, Jupiter mom had surgeries to avoid deadly cancer https://t.co/1TfSbWGflR

— The Palm Beach Post (@pbpost) October 17, 2017

West Palm Beach - Physician Panel Event 10/26/17

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INSTANT INTERVIEW with comedian and new author Caitlin Brodnick

Released today! 9/12/17
Available on Amazon

Caitlin Brodnick is a comedian @ucbtny, author of the newly released Dangerous Boobies: Breaking Up with My Time-Bomb Breasts, & Creator of #ScrewUCancer. You may also recognize her as the "deodorant girl" in a new national commercial. 

Amy Byer Shainman‏ @BRCAresponder  

Q1) Hi Caitlin,

Congratulations on your book release Dangerous Boobies! Please tell me what your book is about, why you wrote it, and how long it took you to write?

caitlin brodnick @caitybrodnick

Verified account

A1) It took my about 3 years and I wrote it because I felt at the time of my mastectomy I was hungry for a book of this type. I didn't want to read medical reviews and abstracts I just wanted a something conversational and fun from a young woman's point of view.

Q2) In one of your recent interviews you mentioned your book being used as a tool. Can you expand on this? I am constantly looking for great resources on BRCA/hereditary cancer and I'd love to hear how you feel your book can help others.

caitlin brodnick

@caitybrodnick

A2) My book helps break down what BRCA is and talks about options for someone who is negative or positive for the BRCA gene mutation. I go over my options when I was going though my mastectomy and reconstruction. I also talk about my top fears and how I healed and what I needed  from my caregivers. There are brilliant doctors and scientists throughout the book- because I am in no way a doctor but I know some incredible women who were kind enough to give their medical knowledge. I felt like if I was going to be open and honest with a comedic voice- we also needed some sound medical advice!

Q3) You have a ton going on! You were recently featured in a national deodorant commercial, you are a stand up comic, you have your book release, AND you are going to be a mom! So, what does the next year look like for you?  Also, can we expect a sequel? "Perilous Ovaries"?

caitlin brodnick 

@caitybrodnick

A3) Haha I don't know yet- I just want to find the best formula for my new baby- now I'm on the hunt to feed him donor milk or a fancy Swedish formula! This next year I'm really excited to see what will happen. I honestly have no idea! I want for this book to be that tool for a woman she can grab when she's nervous or curious and can flip to a chapter about sex after surgery and be comforted by my crazy experiences.  

Q4) Anything else you want to say or want people to know? Congratulations again Caitlin. It's so important our BRCA stories continue to be told. So, my personal thank you to you for sharing yours in such a public way!

caitlin brodnick Verified account

@caitybrodnick

A4) I want women to know they aren't alone- even if they want to be alone- they aren't far from someone who has had a similar experience. Cancer is scary but informing yourself doesn't have to be, and we can be there to support each other. That's all I wanted from this book- to share my story and create more of a conversation about a topic that is still very new!

Dangerous Boobies, by Caitlin Brodnick, released September 12, 2017 

Seal Press 

Available on Amazon

Freeform's #TheBoldType Boldly Highlights BRCA Storyline

Amy Byer Shainman
The BRCA Responder
@BRCAresponder

My DVR was set for a one time recording of the new Freeform series, The Bold Type.  After all, as an advocate for those with BRCA and other hereditary cancer syndromes I felt a responsibility to watch the "The Breast Issue" episode which I learned via social media was going to include a BRCA storyline. However, if I am brutally honest, I was not expecting much from the show, the young actors, or the writing. More than that, I was definitely not optimistic the show would do justice to the intricacies surrounding hereditary cancer;  the emotions, the science, the importance of a correct cancer risk assessment and genetic test result interpretation.  

"I had sex in here like three days ago." 😂 #TheBoldType pic.twitter.com/AURsPqBD3K

— The Bold Type (@TheBoldTypeTV) August 16, 2017

Exhausted from my day and not expecting much, I hit "play" on my remote hoping to quickly get through the episode so I could get to my much needed zzz's. Then I heard it. Jolted wide awake and shocked to hear Alex correctly pronounce B-R-C-A correctly (by spelling out the letters) in the Scarlet Magazine office meeting. Alex did go on to say OR "BRCA (BRA-KKA)" which is how most of the world recognizes this gene being pronounced.  

Are you are wondering why both pronunciations? BRCA (BRA-KKA) is the name given to the gene by a certain genetic testing company. B-R-C-A spelled out is what the person who discovered the BRCA gene in 1994, Dr. Mary Claire King, calls the gene. It's how Dr. King intended BRCA to be pronounced. I call myself the spelled out "B-R-C-A Responder" and not the BRCA (BRA-KKA) Responder.

As a BRCA 1 gene mutation carrier and advocate for those with BRCA and other hereditary cancer syndromes, I absolutely applaud The Bold Type for having BRCA and hereditary cancer as part of the character Jane's storyline.  I truly appreciate this focus and the awareness this BRCA storyline will provide. For the BRCA storyline, the writers consulted with @CDC_Cancer (CDC's Division of Cancer Prevention and Control: Promoting effective, science-based strategies to prevent and control cancer).

Huge thanks to @CDC_Cancer for consulting on this story with us. Follow them for more information on breast cancer and testing. #TheBoldType

— Sarah Watson (@SarahWatson42) August 9, 2017

By consulting with CDC Cancer, the writers got a lot right. The audience sees Jane's see-saw of emotions which is due to both the great writing and yes, impressive acting by actress Katie Stevens who plays Jane.  Another strong point which came across is when the doctor Jane is interviewing says, "Prevention is always better than treatment, always." 

The way #TheBoldType is tackling important issues reminds me back how the original 90210 (and revamped 90210) tackled important issues. It's clear the show is reaching people, touching people, and they love it. Check out their twitter handle or hashtag #TheBoldType to see all the accolades. 

@TheBoldTypeTV is one of my favorites. Love the friendships, the girl empowerment and the story!

— Georgia Lynn (@Georgiafraz) August 17, 2017

While I am thankful for what the Bold Type writers accomplished, what I wish they would have included in this episode was a consult with the most qualified expert to discuss individual cancer risk and hereditary cancer; a certified genetic counselor. 

Find a certified genetic counselor near you by going to: 

The National Society of Genetic Counselors 

Jane is about to go to interview a doctor about BRCA for her magazine article for Scarlet.  The back story is that Jane's mother died from breast cancer. 

Are you sure that going to see the "BRCA doctor"is a good idea? Sutton asks.  

It's not clear to me as the viewer hearing "BRCA doctor" what type of doctor Jane is actually interviewing.  Was it a breast surgeon? An oncologist? Another type of doctor?

Kat says to Jane, "We were just thinking while you were there maybe you could um. ask the doctor about getting 'the test' ...our insurance covers it now." 

We see Jane in the doctor's office getting a blood test and in a subsequent scene finding out from the doctor that she is positive for a mutation in the BRCA 1 gene.

#TheBoldType spent an entire episode on BRCA & early detection! On behalf of everyone who has lost a loved one to breast cancer, thank you pic.twitter.com/uhrv4blbq1

— Jarett Wieselman (@JarettSays) August 10, 2017

Certified genetic counseling was what I was missing from this episode. It's important for women AND men to understand the difference between genetic counseling and genetic testing as they often get confused.  Genetic counseling does not mean one has to undergo genetic testing. A certified genetic counselor can explain to an individual what genetic testing for hereditary cancer actually is and what both positive or negative results can and cannot tell you. Genetic counseling does not mean genetic testing has to happen. 

In addition, there are MANY gene mutations beyond BRCA. Researchers have associated mutations in specific genes with more than 50 hereditary cancer syndromes. A certified genetic counselor is the most qualified expert to assess an individual's cancer risk, determine which gene mutation panel or genetic test is appropriate (if any), and interpret genetic testing results. More than this, one's family history alone can increase cancer risk even without a known gene mutation. #TheBoldType had an opportunity to incorporate this vital information into the episode with only a couple well written lines. 

As a patient advocate "in the trenches", I am constantly picking up messy pieces of those who have undergone genetic testing without certified genetic counseling. My hope is that the #TheBoldType includes this crucial awareness piece by having a few scenes where Jane meets with a certified genetic counselor. Perhaps that is coming up in a future episode. I'm hoping Jane (as well as the viewing audience) is clearly informed with a researched and well written script as to her recommended health screenings and cancer risk reduction options. The doctor does say at the end of "The Breast Issue" episode, "There are several options for managing your care and we're gong to find the one that works best for you." I will definitely be watching future episodes for how all of this is handled. 

Melora Hardin is perfectly cast as Jacqueline, the boss and hands down acting anchor of the show. Be sure to look for Hardin starring in Paul Osborne's film Cruel Hearts, currently in post production. In a small world twist, (and yes, absolutely shameless plug) you will also be able to hear my husband Jon as a reporter voiceover in the film!

Discussing BRCA, orgasms, addressing #FreeTheNipple, including #LGBTQ storyline, #TheBoldType is as its title says "Bold" covering the deeper topics. Yet, there are also the sexy, steamy shower sex scenes, great office dynamics and mis-haps, girlfriend chats with nachos (you'll just have to watch), and ultimately laugh out loud one liners like that in last week's end of episode bathtub scene. "I had sex in here like three days ago."  The three young actresses that play Jane, Kat, and Sutton ultimately won me over...they are all very likeable and yes, all have serious acting chops.

At the end of the day, my reason for watching television is to escape. It helps me unwind from a long day. That last bathtub scene transported back to Los Angeles when I was that twenty something young professional and my life was all about dating, work, cocktails, and my girlfriends. The BRCA storyline is what got me to initially watch #TheBoldType but in full transparency--it's the authentic relationships, impressive acting, writing, and laughs that will keep me tuning in to escape on Tuesday nights. 

The Bold Type airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on Freeform.
Also available to watch on hulu - amazon - itunes 

My NEW interview on BRCA Foundation's "Positive Perspectives" Podcast