'Out of the Blue' Diagnosis Linked to a Family History of Cancer Now Empowers Others

A breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 33 that felt like it was “out of the blue” led to the creation of Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE).

Founder and executive director Sue Friedman was inspired to found the organization following her own cancer diagnosis and eventual linkage to family history with cancer. It wasn’t until 1996, “the early days of genetic testing,” that Friedman read an article about hereditary cancers and genetic testing. She then began to understand some of the factors that put her at risk.

At the 2019 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, Friedman discussed her journey and why she immediately began FORCE following the conclusion of her treatment. “I didn’t think anyone should have to face this challenge alone,” she said.