Meet Katherine
“I was 21 when I tested positive for the BRCA2 inherited gene mutation. It went from me having a 13% chance of having breast cancer to an 80% chance.”
Katherine learned she has the BRCA2 inherited gene mutation in June 2022, at 21
She was just 7 years old when her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. As she watched her mom go through treatment, Katherine folded 1,000 origami cranes, inspired by the legend that doing so would grant a wish for her mother’s recovery.
When her mom later underwent genetic testing that revealed a BRCA2 inherited gene mutation, Katherine struggled to decide if she wanted to complete genetic testing, as well. “One by one, we would see each of my cousins get tested,” she said. “I ended up waiting until I was 21. I thought at that point, maybe I should know whether I am or not.” Ultimately, Katherine’s results came back positive.
Katherine chose to follow a monitoring plan that began with a breast MRI at 25. Her first MRI led to a biopsy, which came back as benign. She’ll continue to undergo regular screenings, and she hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a prophylactic mastectomy. “It’s important to monitor your body and make sure that you get checked out because your body is the most important thing,” she said. “As a previvor, I think it’s really important to take all the steps I can to reduce my risk.”
I am a previvor. My chances of developing breast cancer are higher than others due to my genetic mutation. But I can do something about it.
