A positive result meant that Marisa's chances of developing breast cancer in her lifetime were increased by 80 per cent and for ovarian cancer, by 40 to 60 per cent. On February 4, Marisa underwent a bi-lateral mastectomy without reconstruction in a decision that she says was right for her. I have watched many women in my family fight breast cancer and if I have the opportunity sitting right in front of me to prevent myself from getting breast cancer, I'm going to take it. 'My doctor suggested the BRCA genetic testing because my father's mother and his three sisters all have had breast cancer at early ages. My grandma and my two aunts had breast cancer before the age of forty.

Source: The Nation March 09, 2021 16:18 UTC