In 2013, Hollywood star Angelina Jolie made news when she announced she had undergone a preventative mastectomy after being diagnosed with the 'BRCA' gene mutation.
The name BRCA is an abbreviation for BReast CAncer gene, a hereditary gene that affects your body's ability to suppress tumour growth and increases the likelihood of cancers such as breast, prostate and ovarian.
Those who are likely to have it can be tested for it and there are preventative measures that can be taken such as mastectomies and an ‘oophorectomy’-a surgical procedure to remove ovaries.
Rachel McKeon is someone who has made the monumental decision to undergo such a procedure. After being diagnosed with the BRCA1 gene, Rachel decided to take her health into her own hands and underwent a number of procedures to reduce the risk of her contracting cancer in the future.
Speaking to Dermot and Dave, Rachel shared her story, and how the support of the Marie Keating foundation was so important throughout the process.
You can hear the chat in full by clicking play below:
The Marie Keating Foundation's fourth annual BRCA conference is taking place online on the 23rd of April 2021. The online webinar will provide information and advice to men, women and families affected by a BRCA gene mutation and will feature experts in fertility, psycho-oncology and BRCA services in Ireland. Sign up on the Marie Keating Foundation's website.
