My Mom, My Sister and I All Have a BRCA2 Gene Mutation

As told to Erica Rimlinger

When my sister was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, it was a shock to our entire family. Despite her young age and good health, she tested positive for a BRCA2 gene mutation, prompting other family members, including myself and my mother, to undergo genetic testing. The results revealed that 11 of us carried the mutation, leading to tough decisions about healthcare and future planning.

For me, the revelation meant facing the possibility of early and more frequent screenings, even considering surgeries to reduce cancer risks. Witnessing my sister and mother undergo treatments, I made the decision to undergo a double mastectomy and, like my mother, discovered stage 0 cancer post-surgery. The knowledge of my gene mutation allowed me to make informed choices about my health.

Despite the challenges and uncertainties, including postponing recommended surgeries for family planning, the knowledge of my BRCA2 gene mutation gave me the power to take control of my health and make proactive decisions. This knowledge was a gift that allowed my family to detect and treat cancer early, ensuring better outcomes for all of us.

While facing the challenges of family planning and surgeries, my BRCA2 gene mutation empowered me to make informed decisions about my health and take proactive steps to prevent cancer. It brought my family closer together and strengthened our bond as we faced this genetic challenge united.

Visit beBRCAware.com to learn how genetic testing can provide important information about cancer risk and help you make treatment decisions after a diagnosis.

This educational resource was created with support from AstraZeneca and beBRCAware.com.

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