Cancer, Genetics & the Blame Game

Why do people feel the need to explain why someone got cancer?

From diet and stress to vaccines, chemicals, genetics, and lifestyle choices, a cancer diagnosis can quickly become an invitation for other people to offer theories about what “caused” it. And for those living with a hereditary cancer mutation like BRCA1, BRCA2, Lynch syndrome, PALB2, CHEK2, ATM, or other genetic cancer risks, the judgment can take a different form: questioning preventive surgeries, increased surveillance, genetic testing, or decisions made to reduce future cancer risk.

In this episode of BRCA & Beyond, Marisa talks about the blame that can follow both a cancer diagnosis and a hereditary cancer diagnosis and why our need to find a reason often says more about our fear of cancer than it does about the person living through it. Drawing from her own experience as a young colon cancer survivor and BRCA2 previvor, Marisa shares some of the assumptions people have made about her diagnosis, health, diet, and medical decisions. She also explores the pressure survivors and previvors can feel to defend themselves, explain their choices, or prove they somehow didn’t cause what happened to them.

Because while lifestyle and environmental factors can play a role in cancer risk, cancer is complicated. Genetics matter. Biology matters. And sometimes there simply isn’t one clean explanation for why cancer develops in one person and not another.

This conversation is for cancer survivors, previvors, hereditary cancer mutation carriers, caregivers, family members, and anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of an unsolicited theory about their own body.

BRCA & Beyond is written, recorded, and run independently by Marisa, a colon cancer survivor and BRCA2 previvor. Your support helps this podcast reach more survivors and previvors who need this space. 💖 If this episode helped you, you can support the mission here: www.ko-fi.com/brcabeyond

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating and review. This helps us reach more people navigating previvorship, survivorship, and life after a diagnosis.

Medical Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.

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