Personal experience, Season 4
In this episode of The Breast Cancer Now Podcast, we talk to Ruth about the implications of being diagnosed with the BRCA1 gene on her life.
After Ruth's mum died of breast cancer at a young age, it was suspected she might have had a mutated BRCA gene. When Ruth's own genetic tests showed she was at a higher risk, she decided to undergo preventative surgery.
"I always knew I'd get a mastectomy, it was just a case of when"
Ruth's mum was only 36 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and passed away at the age of 42. Because she was so young, the genetics team at the hospital that treated her kept in touch with Ruth, and offered her genetic counselling when she was old enough.
Looking back now, Ruth says she felt quite invincible when she was younger, and decided not to have the test until she was in her 20s. It was the birth of her first child that prompted her to get tested, as she realised she didn't want him to have to experience the loss of a parent.
I still struggle to acknowledge that it's been a big deal, that it's been a big operation that I've had. I think it's because my brain is telling me, 'Well, you've not had cancer so you're OK'.
- Ruth
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.