Mother and Daughter Take Matters into Their Own Hands
A mother and daughter have become trailblazers in the fight against hereditary or genetic cancer after experiencing the devastating impact of the disease within their own family. Wendy Watson MBE and her daughter Becky Measures were the first and youngest women to undergo preventative mastectomies, a decision they made to protect themselves from a disease that had claimed the lives of six relatives. Their story sheds light on the importance of raising awareness and taking action when it comes to hereditary cancer.
A Legacy of Loss
Wendy's journey began at the age of 16 when she lost her mother to breast cancer. Her grandmother had also succumbed to ovarian cancer six years earlier. Determined to uncover the truth, Wendy questioned her doctor about the possibility of hereditary cancer, only to be told it was impossible. But a chance encounter with a relative in the 1990s made her rethink everything. This led her down a path of self-discovery and a quest for answers.
A Decision That Changed Everything
Living in fear of being diagnosed with breast cancer, Wendy made the courageous decision to undergo a preventative mastectomy. This was in the early 1990s, when doctors were just beginning to understand the role of genetics in cancer risk. Wendy had to convince medical professionals that the surgery was necessary based solely on her family history. The operation, which was met with shock by others, was a turning point for Wendy, who no longer had to live in fear.
A Life Dedicated to the Cause
Wendy's determination to protect herself from cancer paved the way for a lifelong commitment to raising awareness and advocating for change. She fought for laws on gene patents, pushed for the approval of testing guidelines, and supported women seeking preventative surgery. In recognition of her efforts, Wendy was awarded an MBE in 2012.
A Legacy Continues
Following in her mother's footsteps, Becky Measures underwent a mastectomy and reconstruction at the age of 24. She has since become a radio presenter and, along with her mother, launched the podcast Breast of Friends. Through their podcast, Wendy and Becky aim to educate others about hereditary cancer risks and the importance of knowing one's risk factors. They emphasize the availability of screening, medications, and a multitude of surgical options for those who test positive for gene mutations.
Know Your Risk, Don't Risk It
Wendy and Becky's story highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of hereditary cancer. With the shocking statistic that 97% of people carrying a breast cancer gene are unaware, their mission is to bridge the gap between medical advancements and public knowledge. Their mantra, "know your risk and don't risk it," urges individuals with a family history of cancer to explore screening options, medications, and surgical interventions to reduce their risk.
Becky's own experience with ovarian cancer risk and the difficult decision to remove her ovaries underscores the challenges faced by those at high risk. However, she and her mother are proof that taking action and raising awareness can make a difference in the fight against hereditary cancer.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://trendinginthenews.com/cancer/ai-software-could-revolutionize-prostate-cancer-diagnosis-and-reduce-nhs-waiting-lists
