Siobhan's story: "I needed to change my own future"

Siobhan tells the story of what it was like for her late mother to be diagnosed and eventually pass from ovarian cancer.

After her mother’s cancer diagnosis, Siobhan discovered that she too carried the BRCA1 gene. "When I eventually found out I had the BRCA genetic fault, I felt broken. But, I knew I needed to change my own future by having the preventative surgeries" This is her story. 

"When I think of my Mum, I think of how inspirational and amazing she was. After finding out she had the BRCA1 gene mutation, she worked so hard to bring as much awareness to it as possible - including getting me and my sisters tested. This act, and my finding out I also carried the genetic guilt, enabled me to have critical risk-reducing surgeries.

She saved my life.

But beyond that, she was my Mum. She loved listening to the radio, watching the soaps, and spending time with her family. She was the best Mum in the world, and someone who made everyone smile and laugh. She lit up every room she walked into. She was truly one in a million.

We found out she was poorly when she was 42, and I was 11. Diagnosed with breast cancer at first, it wasn’t until November 2010 that she’d get her ovarian cancer diagnosis. She would pass within a year."

"Before her ovarian cancer diagnosis, my Mum experienced a number of the ovarian cancer symptoms – bloating, feeling full quickly, constipation – but was continuously dismissed by her GP.

Even when she’d remind them that she had the BRCA1 genetic fault, and therefore an increased risk of getting ovarian cancer, they’d ignore her.

When she was finally diagnosed, the only option was treatment to try and shrink the tumours and keep them stable through chemotherapy, which she found tough and was often unwell during. Devastatingly, within three months, she was told there was nothing more to do.

Just before she passed, they tried one last chemotherapy session to see if it could help. She was given this session on Friday, and she passed away on Tuesday. When I think back to this time, I remember the incredible support Mum had. From our family, but also from the lovely nurses who would come to the house to provide additional treatment."

"When I eventually found out I had the BRCA genetic fault, I felt broken. But, I knew I needed to change my own future by having the preventative surgeries offered and protecting my children and family from more heartache and illness. It was both an easy and hard decision for me; I was so scared of the surgeries, but I knew that it was the right thing for me to do for myself and my family.

I have zero regrets about having the surgeries and would do it again tomorrow if I had to, even with the surgical menopause. Getting my diagnosis changed my outlook on life. Live your life to the full, enjoy spending time with loved ones and friends, and make the memories. You only get one life. I feel so blessed to be here and to have reduced my risk. Being able to watch my kids grow up, but also for them to have the knowledge and power of BRCA.

I work in the NHS, and I think it’s so important to raise awareness of cancer and genetic mutations. It's so important to know the signs and symptoms, and what we can do to reduce the risk of cancer. I know that if my Mum had the chance, she would have done the things I did to reduce her risk, but unfortunately, it was too late.

Her legacy continues as I raise awareness."

"Also, the research they are doing to protect us and future generations is critical. If only people knew what the warning signs are, cancer could be treated early and potentially stop it from happening by raising awareness of genetic factors.

Please, please, if in doubt, get checked out. I always say this to my patients; nothing is a silly concern. Also, know about the knowledge of family history, knowing your family history is power and so incredibly important."