Episode 21
Cancer Risks: Icelandic Gene Mutation Awareness | Community Advocacy & Heritage Stewardship
February 8, 202447m 37s
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Show Notes
Join Curtis Olafson as he sheds light on efforts to raise awareness about a prevalent gene mutation in individuals of Icelandic descent.
The CDKN2A mutation significantly increases the risk of melanoma, pancreatic, and other cancers, present in 10-25% of families with multiple melanoma cases and approximately 1 in 1250 Icelanders without a melanoma diagnosis.
Icelandic descendants face heightened susceptibility to these cancers, with many carrying the inherited CDKN2A mutation.
Curtis has made it his personal mission to bring awareness to these health concerns. Raised on his Icelandic immigrant grandparents' homestead, Curtis has dedicated more than two decades to preserving Icelandic heritage serving as President of the Icelandic Communities Association. Additionally, he has been recognized for his community service as a state Senator, twice earning the title of “Legislator of the Year” by the North Dakota Township Officers Association. Among other Icelandic stories, we also talk about the Deuce of August Icelandic Celebration, North Dakota's longest-running ethnic festival, now in its 125th year! Read the article here: https://www.icelandicroots.com/post/icelandic-cancer-related-gene-mutation-information The Deuce of August: https://www.thedeuce.org/