Ripped Genes E-Book

I'm Jennifer Ervin, a freelance writer and author, as well as a breast cancer "previvor-turned-survivor" carrying a CHEK2 genetic mutation.

My family history of breast cancer and the loss of cherished loved ones to the disease prompted a journey of extensive research and self-advocacy in the face of hereditary risk.

After undergoing a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy, my pathology report revealed a cancerous tumor which had been slowly growing undetected - even with enhanced surveillance - for years.

That’s when I went from being a “previvor” to a “survivor.” I credit my intuition and the surgery with saving my life.

I wrote the e-book Ripped Genes: A Practical Guide to Understanding & Navigating Hereditary Breast Cancer Risk from a Previvor-Turned-Survivor's Perspective to help my family understand my story and my decisions, as well as understand how they could be potentially affected by hereditary cancer risk.

I only wish there had been a resource like this when I first started out on my own quest for information and answers more than a decade ago!

I wanted to save my loved ones time and confusion by:

Putting accurate, reliable information all in one place for them to read;
Breaking down the key topics I thought were most important for them to understand; and
Making it easy to read (not overloaded with medical jargon that sounds like a foreign language).

Now, in order to increase awareness and improve access to resources that empower those facing hereditary breast cancer risk, I'd like to share my experience and the knowledge I've gained along the way by making the publication available for purchase to the general public.

Do I need to take a genetic test before reading the e-book?
No. The content of the book is a primer on hereditary breast cancer and will be useful whether or not you have a genetic test result.
What is a “Previvor-Turned-Survivor?”
I began writing this book to help my family understand why I had made the difficult decision to undergo a preventive double mastectomy. I was a breast cancer "previvor," or someone who had not yet experienced breast cancer, but who lived with a high risk of the disease.

What I didn't know until after my mastectomy was that breast cancer had already found itself a tidy little hiding spot in one of my breasts and had been growing undetected for years. Thankfully, the tumor was Stage 0, meaning it was not yet invasive.

With the discovery of my tumor, I went from being a breast cancer previvor to a survivor. That plot twist only added fuel to the fire that I needed to share what I had learned so that others with elevated risk like me could use the information to reclaim their power in spite of their family history.
Are you a healthcare professional?
No. I am not a healthcare professional. And while I don't claim to be an expert, I have witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of hereditary breast cancer. My grief propelled me to take action, spending countless hours researching reliable and credible sources of information for my own knowledge and to be able to share it with my children and dearest loved ones - and now with you, too.

Think of me as a trusted friend who has rolled up her sleeves and done a good bit of the initial legwork for you so that you can then forge the path forward that makes the most sense for you.

[All information and links in the e-book and/or website are for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Always consult with your own health care team for the most accurate and relevant information for your individual circumstances.]
To which organizations do you donate?
I donate to organizations whose mission is aligned with mine, which is to increase access to and awareness of hereditary cancer genetic mutations and testing, hereditary cancer risk, and breast cancer awareness and research.
Is a print version of the book available?
No, not at this time, but possibly in the near future.
Are other file formats available?
At this time, the book is available digitally as a PDF file available here, or for Kindle, available on Amazon. The e-book format enables me to make a larger charitable donation than would be possible with the added expense of a printed version.
How soon will I receive the e-book after purchase?
Once you place your order, an email confirmation containing the download link will be sent to you.

Madeline E.

Author's Daughter

"As someone who experienced this story first hand, even I was able to gain a more objective and comprehensive understanding of these mutations and their effects."

Samuel E.

Author's Son

"After reading this e-book, I feel like I have gained enough knowledge to understand my family's medical history so I can be better prepared to manage my own."

Anonymous

Beta Reader

"I am extremely impressed with this book! I think it is something that everyone with a genetic mutation that increases their risk of breast cancer should read!"

D.D.G.

Beta Reader

“Jennifer did excellent with writing this book. It is clear, concise and personal. The book offers resources and thought to your own personal choices...Thank you Jennifer for laying the groundwork for me and others to come.”

Sally S.

Beta Reader

“This e-book is incredibly well written with great information for those who want to know more about breast cancer and gene mutations. The way the author intertwines her and her sister's experience with cancer is poignant and inspirational. Knowledge truly is powerful and life-saving and Jennifer Ervin has helped us all tremendously!”

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Ripped Genes E-Book$3.99

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Ripped Genes E-Book$3.99