My mother died of ovarian cancer at age 33, leaving a husband and three small children. When I was in school, little was known about the genetics of cancer except that I remember reading that the younger a
person had cancer, the more likely in was inheritable.
At 43, I developed breast cancer and was part of a study of Ashkenazi women and their families who were positive for BrCA mutations. I did have the mutation, as did my sister. My first cousin also had it and died of breast cancer at 41. My daughter has the mutation, but she is very aggressive about prevention.
I am alive because of modern treatments. In my early sixties, I also had an early endometrial cancer.
I have been very open about my situation because, especially as a physician, I feel I should inspire others to take preventative measures. With early detection, treatment, and research I know we are making
progress.
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