Ancestry and Bright Pink Join in Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer affects one in eight women in the United States, which is why Ancestry and Bright Pink kicked-off a Breast Cancer Awareness Month education initiative. The partners launched a new, online information center on Ancestry’s website featuring a series of videos, candid conversations and resources to help women navigate their breast health risks with confidence.

Knowing once’s genetic health and family health history are important considerations in understanding possible risk for breast cancer and other health conditions. An estimated five to ten percent of cancers are linked to gene alterations, also known as mutations, passed from parent to child.

“Bright Pink’s mission is to empower all women to take charge of their breast and ovarian health by knowing their risk and manage their health proactively,” said Ginny Ehrlich, chief executive officer at Bright Pink. “Exploring your genetics is a great place to start, and we are excited to work with Ancestry to help their nearly 18 million members learn about genetic risks for conditions such as breast cancer.”

Genetic health testing serves as a starting point in understanding if a woman carries genetic mutations. For example, AncestryHealth powered by NGS achieves about 80-90 percent detection of inherited risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancers.

Having this information can guide how a woman works with her healthcare provider to proactively protect her health.

“Ancestry is proud to join forces with Bright Pink to help women be the best advocates for their health by encouraging them to act during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to know their risk, ” said Margo Georgiadis, president and chief executive officer at Ancestry. “Together, we hope to educate more women about how they can take steps to better understand their genetic health risks. Ancestry is passionate about the fight against breast cancer, which is personal for so many of us.”

Through Oct. 31, 2020, AncestryHealth is just $119 (a $60 savings) using code BRIGHTPINK at checkout. The code is only valid on Ancestry’s website.

Related Articles on FamilyTree.com:

Study: Breast Cancer Recovery Not Linked To Family History

Breast Cancer Gene Can Be Passed Paternally

23andMe Provides Information About Breast Cancer Genes