BRCA1

While everyone is focus on the breast cancer risk caused by the faulty BRCA1 gene, please note that it can also cause fallopian tube and ovarian cancer.

I had fallopian tube cancer eight years ago. This is a rare cancer and treated the same as ovarian cancer as it is also caused by the same faulty gene. My cancer was in a late stage IIIC and I was told to only have 30% chance of surivial.

At that time, the doctor only advised me to remove the affected ovary. Luckily, I decided on a full hysterectomy and did not need to have another operation. I asked for a gene test, but refused by the doctor at the Royal Women Hospital.

After six course of chemo, I was sick for three years. Soon after the doctor had given me an all clear of the ovarian cancer, I had breast cancer. This time my oncologist sent me for a gene test and I was tested positive of having the faulty BRCA1 gene.

One main point that I want to tell everyone is that if you plan to remove your ovaries, please also remove the fallopian tubes.