Krystal Barter's tips
Some things run in families like a musical talent, or the colour of your eyes. In my family 4 generations of women have faced breast cancer, each at an increasingly earlier age.
This is due to the rogue gene fault BRCA1, which was discovered over a decade ago and increases a carrier’s chances of developing breast cancer anywhere up to 80 percent and ovarian cancer up to 50 percent.
I always knew my risk of breast cancer was very high. My great grandma died from breast cancer at 68, my Nan was 44 when diagnosed and my mum was only 36. However it was not until I found out I carried the BRCA1 gene fault that it really hit me. It's certainly a life experience dealing with your strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer and then finally finding out your family is not just unlucky "there is a reason for it".
It was with this knowledge and new desire to change my destiny that I started to research all my options. I came to the realisation there was limited support outside of the healthcare environment in Australia for high risk women. I was content with the screening offered by the Family Cancer Clinics but I always felt worried every time I would go in for a check up.
At 25 years of age I decided to have a preventive double mastectomy after cell changes were discovered in my breast tissue. I can remember waking up after the double mastectomy and feeling incredibly sore but relieved. It was in that moment that I felt in control, like my life was not defined by my genetic status anymore.
I laid in my hospital bed, determined to see my journey as a reason to be positive. I created a community called Pink Hope. Pink Hope is designed for women at a high risk of breast and ovarian cancer, the first of its kind in Australia and is growing every day.
In the years since its inception it has grown to support, connect and inspire thousands of high risk women around Australia. I have met the most incredible families through Pink Hope. Like the young women you have seen on Sunday Night, I am blessed to call them friends and ambassadors.
I admire the girls for sharing their story tonight. There will always be people who pass judgement on the decisions that high risk families make. However I always say “walk a day in their shoes”.
I respect every woman's decision relating to her health. Surveillance is a very good avenue. The high risk clinics are fantastic and they monitor you so closely. By sharing my journey I am not saying this surgery is right for everyone. You have to make the right choice for you with the help of your health care professionals.
I can only hope that stories like the one featured on Sunday Night on Stacey, Laura and Emma inspire each woman to deal with their BRCA diagnosis a little easier and feel confident to make an informed decision, whatever that may be. I hope the next generation don’t have to contemplate such confronting decisions and they are free from the anxiety that most high risk women experience.
I cannot thank my beautiful ambassadors enough for their support and dedication to the cause and Pink Hope. I also need to say thank you to the National Breast Cancer Foundation and PANDORA jewellery for believing in my vision and helping to fund the project.
Bringing life to Pink Hope has been such a rewarding experience. I meet so many incredible women and families everyday that are affected by breast and/or ovarian cancer. Pink Hope has been a beacon of light for so many women and to be able to think this has now become my job, I cannot believe it.
I get to wake every morning doing something that I am passionate about. I believe that through raising the profile of familial breast and ovarian cancer. Together we can create awareness, support and hope for future generations.
3 Tips:
Research your family history – did you know your family history on both your mother and your father’s side is just as important?
If you are concerned about your family history contact your GP who may refer you to a Family Cancer Clinic.
If you want to know more visit www.canceraustralia.gov.au or take Cancer Australia’s Risk Calculator click here canceraustralia.nbocc.org.au/risk/
Please join www.pinkhope.org.au
Visit our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pink-Hope-Community/133164930067063#!/
Twitter: www.pinkhope.com/pink_hope
To support Pink Hope you can:
1. Purchase Pink Ribbon Products for PANDORA: www.pandora.net/en-au/
2. Purchase an Urban Rituelle Soap: http://www.urbanrituelle.com.au/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=110
3. Become a sponsor of Pink Hope which is under the auspice of the NBCF
4. Or donate to the NBCF’s research project kConFab through our online donate button (100 percent goes to kConFab)
