3/4/26

A Short True Story about a Long History of Hereditary Cancer

 
Click here to view the slideshow on Genetionary.org.

Often when I try to explain to people how my late wife’s genetic mutation that caused her cancer was passed on to our child, I get a bewildered look. 

When I try to explain that my wife’s devastating family history of cancer and mutation have been traced back centuries, I usually get a look of disbelief. 

When I ask people about their own family cancer history, they often name off several relatives. Then when I ask if anybody in their family has had genetic counseling and testing, the answer is almost invariably “No.”

It’s time to change the way genetics and hereditary cancer are talked about.

Knowing and sharing family health history can be life-saving.



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2/26/26

RNA is DNA's Friend (Your Friend Too)

RNA – can’t live without it! Learn more with my book about DNA. It’s available at most online bookstores. See www.MendelCat.com for more info. For ages 6 and up.
mRNA, miRNA, ctRNA, rRNA and others are small molecules essential for all life. It works with DNA to produce proteins and other tasks.
 
RNA – can’t live without it! Learn more with my book about DNA. It’s available at most online bookstores. See www.MendelCat.com for more info. For ages 6 and up. 

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2/18/26

The Monk and the Pea: The Roots of Genetics

 

From PEAS to DNA? 

Learn the connection and some other fascinating facts in this activity book. It’s a free download for ages 8 and up at www.MARKiX.net/DNA 

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2/4/26

World Cancer Day '26

Image of hands of different colors with middle fingers raised with the text, “World Cancer Day, Today give the middle finger to the horrific disease and DEMAND better screening, care, and research funding! Then do it again tomorrow. And keep doing it all year long!”
Last week I lost another friend to cancer. EVERYBODY I know has been touch by cancer in one way or another, yet there are subhumans out there cutting access to care and research funding. Demand better screening, care, and research! Not just today, but every day!

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Open Letter to Politicians on World Cancer Day

Dear Politician, Please stop sending me messages requesting money for your campaign. I’m a retired illustrator turned hereditary cancer advocate because of a tragedy in my life. I donate my time, talent, and money to help prevent cancer and save lives. I cannot afford to fund your efforts to win what is basically a popularity contest so you can sit on your pompous ass and do nothing to help some of the most vulnerable among us. Thank you for your attention on this matter! Sincerely, Mark A. Hicks
 

And this🖕is for the small-minded politician that wouldn’t advance out of committee a hereditary cancer screening bill I fought to get passed for three years.

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1/19/26

The Skinny on Melanin

 The poster can be downloaded at
Illustration of skin cross section showing cells, including the location of melanocytes. Found in the thin basal layer of your epidermis, melanocytes are specific cells that produce melanin. Melanin is a dark pigment that helps protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage from the Sun. Too much Sun exposure can damage the DNA in your skin cells. All human beings have about the same number of melanocytes in their skin. The only difference is the amount of melanin produced by the melanocytes. Besides the skin, melanin is also found in hair, eyes, brain, and other tissues. And there are more than 160 genes associated melanogenesis, which is the process that produces melanin. The poster of this image can be downloaded at www.MendelCat.com/melanin


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1/8/26

Do You Know Peas and Q's about Genes and Hereditary Cancer?

As a hereditary cancer widower, advocate, and parent of a previvor, I know genetic knowledge and genetic testing can save lives. Being a professional creative with decades of experience producing educational materials, I created this primer about genetics and hereditary cancer to help raise awareness. It’s my attempt to try and make an extremely complex subject a little easier to grasp for anyone interested.

A PDF version can be downloaded at www.genetionary.org. A professionally published edition is also available gratis on a limited basis.

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