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The thought of doing the HerediGENE genetic test for hereditary cancer has always been in the mind of Eftychia Deligiorgis.
Eftychia wanted to know if she had inherited the cancer-related genes from her mother, who passed away at a young age from breast cancer. The thought of undergoing genetic testing had always been there, and when she finally did it, it proved to be the right decision.
In her interview, she shares her personal story, why she made this decision, its impact, and how she and her family coped with the prospect of hereditary cancer.
The thought of undergoing HerediGENE genetic testing for hereditary cancer had been in my mind since the age of 26, 18 years ago, when I was informed by my attending gynaecologist that there was a possibility of detecting genes associated with breast and ovarian cancer.
However, I had the test 12 years later…after having my two children. I didn’t want to know earlier if I had a gene predisposition. I wasn’t ready to handle that information. At 38, close to the age my mother passed away from breast cancer (she was 36), I decided to take the test. I was ready to face the result that, deep down, I already knew.
I tested positive for a BRCA2 gene mutation. This result didn’t surprise me. The fact that my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at a very young age made me believe that I likely inherited the gene as well.
The decision to immediately undergo necessary preventive surgeries was my only choice.
The other way was regular checks, but for me that was stressful. I wanted to put an end to this issue once and for all.
Both my family and friends, as well as the doctors who performed the surgeries, were incredibly supportive. My family, friends, and especially my husband were always by my side, with the discretion such situations require.
Regarding the preventive mastectomy, my main concern was the time required for full recovery, as it was done in two surgeries, six months apart. But with thorough information and support from my plastic surgeon, I didn’t face any major difficulties. I continued working and maintained a normal social and family life.
For the preventive oophorectomy I had two years later, at 40, my biggest concern was the symptoms of sudden menopause. However, my gynecologist provided essential information and guidance for this surgery as well.
The right information from specialized professionals is, I believe, key to reducing the anxiety caused by upcoming surgery, as well as support from those who are most important in one’s life.
My decision didn’t negatively impact anyone close to me. Quite the opposite; some of them underwent testing and received information that has positively impacted their lives.
My life definitely changed for the better! I’m no longer anxious about whether I will get certain types of cancer, which was quite likely based on my results. I also feel I’ll have the good fortune to be around for many more years, with my children and loved ones! A fortune I didn’t have as a child, as losing my mother at 11 years old was the greatest loss a child can experience.
Regarding my approach to health, I’d say it has evolved. I was always in favor of prevention and avoiding excesses, but now I talk more openly about issues that many people find taboo. Of course, I encourage my friends and acquaintances to undergo regular preventive check-ups. The decisions I made after receiving the results of the hereditary cancer predisposition tests changed my life!
Get informed by specialists regarding the surgeries and perhaps seek help from a mental health professional to make a decision without pressure. Psychological preparation, I believe, is just as important as the preparation for the medical procedures themselves.
Genekor is a reliable company with years of experience in the medical field and these specific tests. Regarding the sample collection process, it was as simple as a blood draw. From the day of sample collection to receiving the results, there was a clear timeline provided by the company, which was strictly followed. This is very important for a patient who might be anxiously awaiting the result.
In conclusion, I’d like to tell those reading these lines to spread the message of PREVENTION! So many of our fellow human beings would still be with us today if they had detected the disease early!
So, prevention! We owe it to ourselves, to the people we love, and to those who left too soon because they didn’t have a choice…
HerediGENE® [https://genekor.com/services/heredigene/] is a multigene panel test for hereditary cancer. It analyzes 52 genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, associated with an increased risk of breast, ovarian, prostate, colorectal, and other hereditary cancers.
Thanks to Ms. Deligiorgi for sharing her personal story with us.
Interview by Vicky Kourlibini on thetoc