The association “EVERYTHING FOR HER” provides support to women with malignant diseases. We had the pleasure of receiving Mrs. Ljiljana Vukota, the secretary of the Association, and Mrs. Maja Erceg Tušek to support their efforts.
We especially discussed the systematic testing of women from families with hereditary pathogenic variants of the BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 genes, as well as the possibilities of whole-genome testing, which simultaneously analyzes the entire human genome. This testing is conducted in collaboration with partners at St. Catherine Specialty Hospital.
Joined together, associations, ICABS, St. Catherine Specialty Hospital, and the entire healthcare system, including the media, have an important role and task to provide women with all information related to this topic. We need to make them aware of their right to this important examination within the healthcare system and encourage them to take this crucial step. This is precisely why all relevant Croatian associations, which bring together breast and ovarian cancer patients, have united in the #NeZaboraviMe (Don’t Forget Me) initiative. The goal of this initiative is a significant increase in the number of BRCA tests following the criteria outlined in professional guidelines throughout Croatia.
#NeZaboraviMe initiative aligns with the National Strategic Framework against Cancer by 2030, emphasizing the importance of improving genetic counseling in major centers in the Republic of Croatia where genetic testing can be conducted for all patients suspected or diagnosed with genetically conditioned tumors, as well as for their blood relatives. We believe that this initiative will get support from key stakeholders in healthcare.
We hope that this initiative motivates key players in the healthcare system, not only oncologists but also, medical geneticists, family doctors, and all others who can provide significant support in this matter. We also appeal to other stakeholders within the healthcare system who can ensure better conditions for testing within the public healthcare system, so that every woman who meets the criteria for testing can undergo it.