Do you know the real details of your genetics? Telltale signs of our DNA determine our body type, facial features, and health. Most people have no idea about their genetics until a problem arises or a test is taken. Having a predisposition for certain health problems can be shown in our genes. They affect our health and quality of life!

A Discovery That Saved My Life. I had a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy after I found out I carried a breast cancer gene; CHEK2. While writing my book titled Younger, I made this powerful discovery (see pages 22-23). Instead of risking being a “survivor” I opted for being a “previvor,” and chose to take action. Previvors have a genetic predisposition for a cancer gene but have not had cancer.     

There was another test for hormones I took showing I had a high count of dangerous estrogen. These work alongside cancer genes to cause the full-blown effect. By having two factors leading to the disease, I opted to be safe instead of sorry. Discovering the genetic mutation made it difficult to move on from it and feel complete. I did research, talked to friends, relatives, and saw the media coverage on it. Studies show that carrying this gene gave me 2-5 times the risk of breast cancer and 2 times the risk of colon cancer.

Statistics Tell All. Another influence that led me to cut my losses was the fact that by the year 2030 breast cancer rates will go up by 50% [1]! That means we are not taking care of ourselves, or think we are but are not. One in four women has a gene variant of breast cancer. There are thousands of gene variants that affect whether cancer transpires or not. 

Our hormones work with our genetics and travel down pathways in our system as they work for us or against us. I researched hormonal pathways to find out my estrogen metabolism was not ideal. I made too little of the protective types and too much of the dangerous types of this hormone. To learn more about this checkout page 156 in my book The Hormone Cure.

Not The Standard Protocol. I did what I recommend for my patients to try and solve the problem and improve estrogen metabolism. I put epigenetics to work to try and switch the faulty genes off. Consuming cruciferous veggies, decreasing wine, taking DIM (diindole methane), and calcium glucarate have shown to help.  The results did not show changes on retests, unfortunately. After doing this for eleven years I opted for the surgery.

Surgeons were reluctant to take my case given the fact that I did not have cancer.  Finally, I found one that fit well with my viewpoint. Still, I was warned that twenty percent of the time surgery doesn’t work due to compromised blood flow. 

Finally Comfy in My Genes. My breasts are not the same but I am embracing my choice even if they look odd. I also make every effort to keep blood flow going with Chinese moxa, and luckily my husband doesn’t mind the smell. I am so grateful for friends and family who helped along this journey. Not to mention my daughters who washed my hair, and friends who brought food over, or to chat bedside.        

Not everyone will agree with my decision but it was the right one for me. I encourage getting your genetics tested as well as your hormones. Genova’s Complete Hormone test and their Estrogenomics profile are excellent. Working with a functional medicine doctor allowed me to learn the intricate endocrine details. I recommend this to gain knowledge and make the right decisions for the outcome of your health.

Thank you, Dr. Sara Gottfried, for your honesty and insight into your journey with the CHEK2 gene! 

To keep your health at its best both inside and out, get a copy of Dr. Sara Gottfried’s book Younger today and check out Reset360’s Younger Supplement Kit to kickstart your journey.