Kate Kerr London

I’ve gone back and forth about sharing this, but this feels important. Knowledge is power, and every woman deserves to be breast aware. This post is to empower, not scare!

Four weeks ago, I had a preventative mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction. Breast cancer has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I lost my beautiful mum to it and several other women in my family have faced it too.

After years of scares, scans, waiting for results and living with constant anxiety, I learned I have extremely dense breasts, which both increases risk and makes cancer harder to detect. Despite negative genetic testing, my lifetime risk was calculated at 35% - a 1 in 3 chance.
Not a risk I was willing to live with!

This decision wasn’t made lightly. It came after extensive medical advice and therapy. I was taking back control! Since the op, my risk has dropped to around 5-8%. For the first time in years I feel calm. No doubt. No anxiety. Peace.

The general risk for women with no family history is around 12%.

I’m sharing this because the information isn’t always clear:
• You don’t need a known gene mutation to be high risk
• BC involves many genes, not just BRCA
• Screening isn’t perfect, but is vital
• Know your breasts - check them monthly
• Know your Tyrer-Cuzick score (I used the MagView calculator)
• Don’t ignore a ni**le - get checked

This was the right decision for me, but it won’t be for everyone.

I’ve written a blog about my journey if you’d like to learn more and read about my journey. Link in bio.

I want to acknowledge everyone who has faced or is facing BC. Your strength is extraordinary. What I’ve been through feels far easier than what you have endured and I honour you.

If this encourages even one of you to check your breasts or advocate for yourself, it’s been worth sharing 🤍

Important: This is my personal experience, not medical advice. Speak to your GP if you have concerns.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me - the flowers, chocolates, candles and kind words. I’ve felt so deeply loved. ❤️

Continued in comments….