Kristin Bublitz Runs Miles for Moffitt After BRCA1 Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Kristin Bublitz was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at age 33, shortly after giving birth to her son, after earlier genetic testing revealed she and her mother carried a BRCA1 gene mutation. Moffitt reported that Bublitz is returning to the Miles for Moffitt event to run the 10K, challenging herself while celebrating her journey as a cancer survivor and connecting with others.
BRCA1 Mutation Increases Cancer Risk for Bublitz
Bublitz first visited Moffitt Cancer Center approximately 10 years prior to her diagnosis due to a family history of cancer. Genetic testing confirmed that both she and her mother carried the BRCA1 mutation, which significantly elevates the risk of developing several types of cancer. At the time of the initial test, Bublitz was newly married and focused on starting a family, choosing not to undergo preventive surgery immediately. Following her pregnancy and the birth of her son, a routine annual screening identified the breast cancer.
I think because I knew about my genetic risk, I wouldn’t say I was shocked by the news, but I was disappointed because I knew about the risk and didn’t act on it sooner,
Bublitz said. At the same time, having kids was my main focus at the time.
Following her diagnosis, Bublitz underwent chemotherapy and a bilateral mastectomy to remove both breasts.
Lifetime Cancer Risks Associated with BRCA1 Mutations
Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes increase the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, peritoneal cancer, fallopian tube cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma. Carolyn Haskins, a genetic counselor at Moffitt, noted that women carrying a BRCA1 mutation face an estimated lifetime ovarian cancer risk of up to 58%, compared with 1% to 2% for women in the general population. The estimated lifetime breast cancer risk for women with a BRCA1 mutation reaches up to 72%.
It can be scary to think about having a gene mutation that increases the lifetime risk for certain cancers, but the reality is that cancer does not discriminate against anyone,
Haskins said. In other words, we all have a risk of developing cancer.
Preventive Surgery and the Miles for Moffitt 10K
Due to her elevated risk profile, Bublitz scheduled a total hysterectomy—the removal of the uterus and cervix—for the week following the Miles for Moffitt event. At the race, she plans to run with the Wild Runners team alongside another cancer survivor and friend.
The first year I participated in Miles for Moffitt was pretty emotional because it was my first year in survivorship as well,
Bublitz said. I wanted to challenge myself this year. I told myself, I beat cancer, I can run six miles.
As a survivor, there can often be guilt that comes with surviving,
Bublitz added. But at events like this, everyone rallies together and supports one another, and it is just such a great thing to be a part of.
Frequently Asked Questions About BRCA1 Mutations and Cancer Risk
What specific cancers are linked to BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations?
Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes increase the lifetime risk for breast, ovarian, peritoneal, fallopian tube, prostate, and pancreatic cancers, as well as melanoma, according to clinical data cited by Moffitt Cancer Center.
What are the statistical lifetime cancer risks for women with a BRCA1 mutation?
Women carrying a BRCA1 mutation face an estimated lifetime breast cancer risk of up to 72% and an estimated lifetime ovarian cancer risk of up to 58%, according to Moffitt genetic counselor Carolyn Haskins.
What surgical treatments did Kristin Bublitz undergo following her diagnosis?
After her triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis at age 33, Bublitz underwent chemotherapy followed by a bilateral mastectomy, and scheduled a subsequent preventive total hysterectomy.
Which team is Kristin Bublitz running with at the Miles for Moffitt event?
Bublitz is running with the Wild Runners team to complete the 10K race alongside a fellow cancer survivor and friend.