When I discovered that I carried a mutation in the BRCA1 gene, the statistics were daunting: an 87% chance of developing breast cancer and a 50% likelihood of ovarian cancer. Those numbers hit hard, especially considering my family history—my mother, grandmother, and aunt all succumbed to these diseases. Faced with such a reality, I made the tough decision to undergo two surgeries that significantly lowered my risk of developing the same fate.
However, these surgeries weren’t a walk in the park. Along with the physical challenges of surgery and breast reconstruction, the removal of my ovaries thrust me into early menopause, a decade earlier than I anticipated. Yet, I know many women with a positive BRCA test opt for various paths, from taking birth control pills to regular check-ups, each choice carrying its own pros and cons.
Now, as a passionate advocate for women’s health and a special envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, I feel empowered by the decisions I’ve made. It’s about taking control: “I feel feminine and grounded in the choices I am making for myself and my family. I know my children will never have to say, ‘Mom died of ovarian cancer.’”
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In summary, my journey through these health decisions has been transformative. While the road has its bumps, I feel more in control of my future and grateful for the choices I have made for my family’s well-being.