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Gene Mutation Fuels Lifelong Breast Cancer Fear
29 Aug
Summary
- Emily Hardaker faced breast cancer's shadow since age 14.
- A BRCA2 gene mutation significantly increased her personal risk.
- She opted for a preventative double mastectomy two years ago.
Breast cancer has been a pervasive concern for Emily Hardaker since she was 14, when the disease tragically claimed her mother's life. This personal history deeply influenced her approach to her own health.
In 2017, at the age of 25, Emily discovered she carried a BRCA2 gene mutation. This genetic finding signified a substantially elevated risk of developing breast cancer herself.
Two years ago, Emily, now 34, made a decisive move to reduce her vulnerability. She underwent a preventative double mastectomy, a significant surgical intervention aimed at lowering her cancer risk.
"Seeing as that my mum had passed away, and my family were, I use the term 'riddled with it', which I know is not funny, it was a no-brainer for me," she stated, emphasizing the strong family history.
