Carpe diem--Latin for "seize the day." This grab-life-while-you-can ethos has particular importance for those of us whose families carry genetic mutations for breast and ovarian cancers. Time-- precious to all--feels especially fleeting when you grow up in the shadow of disease, when most of your ancestors die young.

Now,...

It turns out my body isn't completely mine. One of my genes--the one that's had the biggest impact on my life--is owned and controlled by a biotech firm in Utah. That company, Myriad, actually holds a series of patents on me--or at least this part of me. And I'm not...