Are you related to the WYGALS of West Virginia?

Is there a high rate of cancer in your WYGAL aunts, uncles, and cousins (especially breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancers)?

If so, your family may have the BRCA2 mutation.

My wife and her Aunt are cancer survivors, and have both tested positive for the BRCA2 690delAA mutation. They are direct descendants of Catherine Jane DEAN, daughter of Hiram DEAN, and grand daughter of Ellis Dean, Jr. This mutation is dominant and carriers have a 50% chance of passing it on to their offspring.

Catherine Jane DEAN died of breast cancer around 1905.

I hope this is not the case, and don't want to scare anyone, but early detection of this mutation can save lives. If you think the mutation is in your branch of the family, talk to a doctor about getting a genetic test. Have them look specifically for BRCA2 690delAA as this test will be a lot cheaper.

This WYGAL line is descended from Clinton WYGAL, Sr., son of Elbert and Edith WYGAL, Edith's parents were Ellis DEAN and Martha KEITH. Elbert WYGAL was from Tiptonville Tennesse. I suspect it was the DEAN ancestor that introduced this mutation into the line.