Jasmin grew up knowing the impact of hereditary cancer all too well. Her grandmother passed away at 50, her aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer at 55, and her mother faced diagnoses at 35 and again at 55. This experience taught her early on about the weight of hereditary cancer risk, and she found strength and confidence in her family's resilience.

“My mum got through breast cancer and a double mastectomy, I can 100% get through this too.”

Navigating the complexities of hereditary cancer risk

Strength and fear often go hand in hand, especially when facing the uncertainties of hereditary cancer risk. Determined to take control of her health, Jasmin underwent genetic testing at 31, which revealed she carried the BRCA1 gene mutation. This mutation significantly increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Jasmin vividly recalls the day she received her test results – New Year’s Day. What was supposed to be a fresh start felt instead like a crushing sense of doom.

“I remember thinking, ‘Oh my god, I’m going to get cancer. I am doomed.’ This sense of fear has been in the back of my head all the time since then.”

Despite her proactive approach – regular MRI scans, a scheduled mastectomy just two weeks away, and plans to remove her ovaries at 37 – the constant shadow of fear remains.

“Especially during those six months between MRI scans, I found myself spiralling into panic, wondering, ‘What if I already have cancer and just don’t know it?’ It felt like my body was a ticking time bomb.”

The waves of uncertainty rolled in unpredictably. “Most of the time, I feel like I’m doing the right thing, but there are days when I question myself: ‘Am I really making the best choices?’”

Prioritising Mental Well-Being

Though fear and anxiety loomed, the strength and resilience ingrained in her family inspired her to seek the support she needed.

“Speaking with a psychologist, especially one who specialises in BRCA gene mutations has been incredibly helpful to me. I’ve found that sharing my experiences with others, both within and outside the community, has helped me process everything in a constructive way.”

She reflects on the wise words of a friend: “I can’t invest all my energy in fearing cancer; it steals joy from my daily life. Even though that fear still creeps in from time to time, this mindset has been a very helpful tool.”

“My family has always been my rock. My partner has stood by me, especially during those anxious moments leading up to my MRI scans. And my son, just turning seven, has been my source of strength too. I also do a lot of meditation. Focusing on positive outcomes has brought me a sense of peace.”

The Power of Being Heard

Finding the right support has been a crucial part of Jasmin’s experience, especially when considering major surgeries like a mastectomy.

“I changed my surgeons three times to really find one that I connect and feel comfortable with. I especially remember the first surgeon I’ve met, she seemed cold and distant. That encounter made me feel like I wasn’t heard. At some point I even doubted my own instincts, and thought I was not asking the right questions.”

Fortunately, Jasmin found a third surgeon who made a significant difference. “The third surgeon that I’ve met instantly made me feel warm and comfortable. I asked a million questions and he answered them all. He asked me so many times, ‘How are you feeling?’ Then I realised not one surgeon before actually asked me how I was feeling. I remember feeling surprised and thinking, ‘Oh he actually cares!’”

“Mastectomy is a massive surgery, one that will fundamentally change my body. Finding a surgeon who cares and offers reassurance that I’m making the right choices for my health was monumental for me.”

Embracing the Future with Purpose

Jasmin looks back with gratitude for the support she has received. Managing hereditary cancer risk is an ongoing challenge, but she is committed to advocating for her own health and supporting others facing similar experiences.

“Being truly heard and having the right support makes all the difference. I hope my story encourages others to seek out both.”