Event provides personal perspective on BRCA1

Members of the Blum family

Members of the Blum family

“BRCA1: A Personal Perspective” will be the topic of the next Olson Center Brown Bag Luncheon, to be held from noon-1 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater.

The story of Angelina Jolie’s decision to have a preventive double mastectomy in 2013 was widely reported and led to much debate at the time. Five years later, however, advances in medical genetics testing have made the actress’ situation more common — and have brought it home to at least one family with a UNMC connection.

At the next Olson Center event, Rick Blum, administrator of the UNMC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, will be joined by his wife and daughters to discuss their family journey and to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of cancer-preventing surgery.

Jennifer Griffin, M.D., a faculty member in the department, will discuss the indications for genetic counseling and the physical, emotional, and social impact positive results may have. Terri Blase with the Hereditary Cancer Clinic at the Munroe-Meyer Institute, also will be available to provide answers on genetics.

Seating is limited; please pre-register by calling the Olson Center at (402) 559-6345. Bring your lunch and refreshments will be provided.

The lectures are free. However, it is $10 to obtain nursing credit — payment instructions will be given at pre-registration.

Note: The UNMC College of Nursing Continuing Nursing Education is accredited with distinction as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This activity is provided for 1.0 contact hour under ANCC criteria. (Course ID: 18OL118)