Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 11. Her mother, aunt and cousins had all had breast cancer. Mum asked her surgeon if her breast cancer was hereditary. She was told at the time (late 1970s) that this was extremely unlikely.
Ten years ago, mum and I enrolled in a research program involving Jewish women of Ashkenazi (Eastern European) descent with a strong family history. The program involved genetic testing.
After questionnaires and counselling, we had the test. I was 30 at the time. Our results came back positive to the BRCA1 mutation. I was referred to a breast surgeon for follow up and to discuss my options. I chose regular surveillance consisting of annual mammograms and six-monthly clinical breast examinations.
Over the next few years I had my family. It was during a mammogram after my second son's birth that we found a lump in my right breast. I thought it was mastitis as I had only finished breast feeding. I was 35 years old - too young to have breast cancer! It turned out to be a 3.5cm tumour and quite aggressive.
After consulting with my surgeon, I decided to have a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. The surgery went well. Lymph nodes were clear and the tumour was hormone receptor negative. Chemotherapy followed.
Having the mutation also means a higher risk of ovarian cancer. For now, I've decided on routine ultrasounds and blood tests. I can opt for removal of my ovaries later, maybe when I hit menopause.
I'm so thankful that I was tested for the gene. My breast cancer was picked up early due to surveillance which otherwise would not have commenced until I turned 40. By then, it would have been too late.
--Kerri
