Partner Spotlight: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE)

This Thanksgiving holiday is also Family Health History Day. Bring Your Brave shines a spotlight on the amazing work of a partner that aims to improve the lives of individuals affected by hereditary cancer. Learn more about the work of Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) from Sue Friedman, founder and executive director.

Tell us about your organization and its mission or area of focus.

FORCE’s mission is to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by hereditary breast, ovarian, and related cancers. We accomplish this mission by providing education, support, research, and advocacy programs focused on hereditary breast, ovarian, pancreatic, melanoma, and prostate cancers.

Who can benefit from reaching out to your organization?

FORCE provides information, support, resources, and research related to hereditary cancers. We help survivors learn if their cancer was caused by a genetic mutation, we help those without cancer learn if they are at increased risk for hereditary cancer, and we provide emotional and decision making support for people who have an increased risk for cancer due to a genetic mutation or family history.

What are some of the ways you help your community of women affected by breast cancer?

Our XRAYS program reviews and summarizes reports on breast cancer in the media and help people understand what’s behind the media headlines. Our Peer Navigation Program provides a 1 on 1 individualized peer support and information by matching users affected by hereditary breast, ovarian, and related cancers to a volunteer who has faced very similar circumstances and a resource guide personalized to their situation. Our brand new Research Study Search Tool helps hereditary cancer survivors and previvors find studies enrolling patients like them.

What is your organization working on right now that you are most excited about?

Project Plural: Using our Peer Navigation Program to reach hard-to-reach people in rural communities.

What is your top piece of advice to women?

Learn your family history and other risk factors for breast cancer. No matter what your situation is—average-risk, high-risk, or breast cancer survivor—learn about breast cancer clinical trials and see if you qualify for any studies and consider enrolling!