Irina

After Irina’s mother died of cancer, she underwent genetic testing in her late 30s and found out she was positive for a BRCA2 gene mutation. Learn more about Irina’s experiences with cancer risk that runs in families here. Irina is a doctorate-trained scientist with a background in biology and cancer had first-hand knowledge of clinical trials from various “conferences and talks” and felt “very optimistic” that “there is so much that’s happening.” Irina “wanted to” participate in trials and let all her providers know “I would be very willing to participate in anything.” Her genetic counselor sent her “a link to a list” of ‘available trials” and she emailed “one or two places,” thinking she might be a “good control.” However, “they never responded” and it was “kind of anxiety induced” for her. Normally, Irina would be “a little more persistent” but for some reason “couldn’t force” herself “to do that.”

If someone had approached Irina and said, “‘would you like to participate?’ I would’ve said ‘yes.’” Ultimately “nothing was available” and “nobody contacted” her. Irina has relatives who have successfully qualified for clinical trials and still thinks “maybe somebody will still come through and be interested in me” in which case she would be willing.