Personalised hospital breast cancer programme widened

The BRCA gene is a gene that helps the body to fight cancer, but having a mutation means it doesn’t function as well, so those with it cannot fight cancer in the same way.

According to studies, the risk of developing breast cancer with a BRCA2 mutation increases from 12.5% to 69%, external, the risk of ovarian cancer rises from 2% to 17%, and the risk of prostate cancer increases from 12.5% to 41%.

Knowing she had the BRCA 2 gene mutation also meant that by the time Ms Beeden needed surgery, both she and her surgeon had all the information they needed to discuss the best option.

She chose to have preventative surgery on her other breast.

“It was because of that genetic knowledge, that they were able to advise me.

“Angelia Jolie hasn’t had cancer, but she’s chosen to have her ovaries removed for that reason, so she doesn’t struggle with ovarian cancer like her mother did. You can make those choices.

“Knowledge is power, isn’t it? To make a decision about your life.”

Ms Beeden said making quick but informed decisions about her treatment meant she was able to get back to her life.

“It’s definitely a new normal, but it’s as close as I could get,” she said.

“At the beginning of the cancer journey, you lose control of everything. I knew they were going to take my hair, everything was going to change – my freedom, my ability to play with the kids next door because of the risk of germs, I couldn’t swim – so you literally have to take back control wherever you can.

“I think every element where you feel you’ve had some information… it gave me that control to make those decisions.

“I hated looking at my choices, and I hated making the decision, but it was my decision and that’s really important.”