How did a mother's blood save her daughter's life?

The mother saved her blood before she died, which later allowed her daughter to undergo genetic testing for the BRCA2 gene, a mutation that increases cancer risks.

What is the BRCA2 gene and what are its risks?

The BRCA2 gene is a hereditary cancer gene that dramatically increases the risks of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer.

What preventative measures did the daughter take after genetic testing?

After testing positive for the BRCA2 gene, the daughter underwent a preventative double mastectomy and had her fallopian tubes removed, with plans for ovary removal.

Home / Health / Mother's Blood Saved Daughter's Life

Mother's Blood Saved Daughter's Life

11 Feb

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Summary

A mother's foresight ensured her daughter's eligibility for crucial genetic testing.
The genetic test confirmed a high risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
Preventative surgery possibly saved the daughter's life, fulfilling her mother's wish.

A mother's proactive decision to preserve her blood before her death from breast cancer in 2007 has had profound implications for her daughter's health. Jane Tomlinson, who died at 43, ensured her blood could be tested for the BRCA2 gene, a known risk factor for several cancers.

Her daughter, Becca, found out in June 2023 that she carried the BRCA2 gene. This discovery was possible due to her mother's stored blood sample, which was crucial for her eligibility for NHS genetic testing.

Following the positive genetic test, Becca, aged 37, made the decision to undergo a preventative double mastectomy later in 2023. She also had her fallopian tubes removed in 2024 and plans to have her ovaries removed as a further preventative measure.