3/20/26

Peas and Q's -- A Hereditary Cancer Resource

Cover of the booklet Peas and Q’s. Text: “Hereditary Cancer Info. PEAS and Q's is a 20-page booklet that helps illustrate the terms related to genes, genetic mutations, & hereditary cancer in a simple question-and-answer format. Download a free PDF copy at www.genetionary.org.”
Some of my late wife’s relatives knew about a pathogenic BRCA2 mutation in the family for years, but did not share the information until after her advanced-stage cancer diagnosis. It was painfully evident that her relatives' lack of understanding of genetics and genetic inheritance had left them unable to communicate the risk to other relatives.

But I quickly realized that my wife's relatives were not the exception. Many adults have a knowledge gap and communication problem when it comes to genetics and family cancer history. So, being a professional creative with many years of experience producing educational materials, I started creating materials to try and help explain genetic mutations and cancer risk to those unfamiliar with the subject. This resource is just one of those efforts.

Download a free PDF copy at www.genetionary.org. And share it! Please.

3/14/26

Genealogy Day is Every Day for Preventing Hereditary Cancer

 Genealo"Genealogy and hereditary cancer prevention share a common thread. What is it?" "hint" (with arrow pointing to an illustration of a strand of deoxyribonucleic acid.) "To learn more, go to www.genetionary.org."

Did you know that genetic mutations that can increase the risk of cancer can be passed down for generations and shared by genetic relatives separated by many degrees? 

Knowing and sharing your family history as well as your family health history can help prevent hereditary cancer.

To learn more about hereditary cancer and to download a free family health history pedigree, go to www.genetionary.org.

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.



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. 

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 

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!