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Cancer threat mum in call for more support
A MUM of three facing a double mastectomy as she carries the high risk cancer BRCA gene is hoping for major health service improvements.
Debbie O’brien, from Finglas, revealed that all her family carry the deadly gene.
She was just 15 when she lost her mother to breast cancer.
Debbie said: “We all carry the high- risk BRCA gene in our family and my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in May last year after having a preventative hysterectomy in 2017.
“From June of last year, I started planning for a double- mastectomy with reconstruction.
“I was told in September this year that I could have the doublemastectomy, but due to Covid, I couldn’t get the reconstruction until an unknown later stage.
“For my own peace of mind, I couldn’t do it without the reconstruction. Why would I put myself t hrough two major surgeries instead of one with three young kids at home?”
She added she feels unsupported due to the lack of a clear pathway.
“I can see the toll i t ’s t aken on my sister. It’s always on my mind: I don’ t want this to happen to me.”
T h e I r i s h C a n c e r
Society has highlighted instances of women at a high genetic risk of cancer who have had or are waiting for preventative surgeries such as mastectomies to help reduce their risk, but who are still in the dark as to when they can get a follow- up breast reconstruction.
Rachel Morrogh, the society’s director of advocacy, said there needs to be sweeping ser vice i mprovements f or those who carry the high- risk BRCA gene. It informed an Oireachtas Committee yest erday that cancer genetic ser vices in Ireland need to be better resourced in line with what is laid out in the National Cancer Strategy.
■ Any on e with a cancer- related query or concern can talk to a specialist nurse on Freephone 1800 200 700 or supportline@ irishcancer. ie.
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