Jordan: Along with the worry of my own health, I worry about passing a gene fault on to my girls.

How the BRCA2+ mutation has affected my family

“My mum was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 to later return in 2012. Due to this devastating discovery the process began for my mum to discover her BRCA2+ diagnosis.

When I sat in the hospital receiving the news that I too carried the BRCA gene mutation, I felt a sense of sadness. However, at the time I wasn’t to know how important that knowledge was. 

At the time, I was sat next to my mum, who also BRCA2+ was currently having treatment for her diagnosis of incurable secondary breast cancer. The love and concern I had for my mum outweighed my personal diagnosis. On the same visit my brother was also found to be positive with the same gene mutation. 

Sadly, my Mum passed away on the 1st May 2016. It was and still is devastating, a massive loss to me, my family and her large community of friends. She fought the battle with dignity and strength and, like so many, always attempted to help others along her unfortunate journey.

What does being diagnosed BRCA2+ means to me?

It has meant such sadness with the loss of my mum, however, it has given me a drive to live my life to the full. To seek adventures as often as possible, to push my limitations both mentally and physically. To help others and attempt to have as many positive effects on people’s lives as I can.

Carrying the gene mutation is always in the back of my mind. Lumps, bumps, aches and pains are often a source of panic and worry. However, despite this being an added stress to my life, it also allows me to be proactive and aware of any potential worries I have.

Along with the worry of my own health, I have the worry of passing the gene fault on to my girls.

Now I have two girls, this information that I hold, will enable my partner and I to ensure that, when appropriate, our daughters will be made aware of their risk of carrying the gene mutation and what it means for them, if found to be a carrier -  the same as their Grandma who they devastatingly never got to meet. 

It wasn’t a hard decision for me to have children despite carrying this gene mutation. The knowledge we have and the continued work of Ovarian Cancer Action has given me the confidence that when the BRCA gene mutation becomes a conversation my family is once again having, the treatments and preventative measures will enable my girls to live a healthy and happy life.“

Checking your family’s medical history may seem daunting, but it is an important step in safeguarding your health and the well-being of future generations. 

For families with a history of cancer, especially breast or ovarian cancer, exploring genetic testing can provide valuable insights. This knowledge helps individuals to take preventive actions which means that children, who may inherit these risks, have the tools to live healthier, informed lives.