In this episode, Kathy Baker, founder of My Faulty Gene, shares her inspiring journey and the mission of her organization, which focuses on educating and assisting individuals about hereditary cancer risks.
Kathy’s personal story is a powerful testament to the life-saving potential of genetic testing. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, she initially declined genetic testing due to a lack of understanding. Nine years later, after learning about the high risk of ovarian cancer associated with BRCA mutations, she underwent testing and discovered she carried the BRCA1 mutation. This knowledge led to risk-reducing surgeries, which unexpectedly revealed early-stage ovarian cancer, saving her life.
Kathy emphasizes the importance of applying genetic knowledge proactively, as it can inform prevention, screening, and treatment decisions. My Faulty Gene provides resources, funding for genetic testing, and education to empower individuals and families.
Kathy also highlights the critical role of healthcare professionals, particularly genetic counselors, in guiding patients through the complexities of hereditary cancer risks. She shares stories of families who have benefited from genetic testing, underscoring how early detection can be life-saving. Kathy’s advocacy work, including her involvement with the American Cancer Society and her Family Gene Share video series, aims to break down barriers to genetic testing and encourage open conversations about hereditary risks.
The episode concludes with practical tips for patients to advocate for themselves and access genetic counseling, emphasizing that knowledge is only powerful when applied.
Website: MyFaultyGene.org
Email: kbaker@myfaultygene.org
