About Me
My name is Ellie, I'm 21 years old and I study Medicine in Newcastle with the hope of becoming a GP. I'm healthy, happy and I have a gene mutation.
This mutation, known as BRCA1 (pronounced bracker 1) , significantly increases my risk of breast and ovarian cancer; to around 73% and 45% respectively.
This mutation does not define me, I have never felt sorry for myself and will not allow others to feel sorry on my behalf. Instead this mutation, or rather the knowledge of it, empowers me. This knowledge allows me to take my health into my own hands and take steps to beat the BRCA.
I have decided to take preventative action in the form of mastectomy. This has not been an easy decision, it may be seen as drastic and it is definitely not the only or the right choice for everyone. But this is what I see as the best path for me.
By documenting my journey I hope to help other women in similar situations make an informed decision as to how to combat their own hereditary cancer risk.
This mutation, known as BRCA1 (pronounced bracker 1) , significantly increases my risk of breast and ovarian cancer; to around 73% and 45% respectively.
This mutation does not define me, I have never felt sorry for myself and will not allow others to feel sorry on my behalf. Instead this mutation, or rather the knowledge of it, empowers me. This knowledge allows me to take my health into my own hands and take steps to beat the BRCA.
I have decided to take preventative action in the form of mastectomy. This has not been an easy decision, it may be seen as drastic and it is definitely not the only or the right choice for everyone. But this is what I see as the best path for me.
By documenting my journey I hope to help other women in similar situations make an informed decision as to how to combat their own hereditary cancer risk.