genetic testing a couple of years ago and was negative for BRCA mutations, so we thought I couldn’t possibly be positive. It was a complete, complete shock. I never thought I could inherit this gene from my father’s side.”
Inheriting a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation comes with a 45% to 85% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, and the mutation also increases risk of developing ovarian and several other types of cancer. Yuan urged women to seek out genetic testing if they have a first-degree relative—a mother, father, brother, sister or child—with a breast cancer diagnosis or a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.
“Beyond that, young women are their own best road to early diagnosis,” Yuan said. “Mammograms work well for women ages 40 and up, but younger women’s dense breast tissue can hide small tumors. Young women who feel a lump in their breasts should seek medical attention and a diagnostic mammogram immediately, with a follow-up ultrasound if thea mammogram is inconclusive.”
After chemotherapy to help shrink her tumor, Butler had a double mastectomy and radiation therapy in May. She will continue on low-dose chemotherapy to target any residual cancer cells until March. She is also enrolled in a clinical trial of a combination therapy to help prevent cancer recurrence.
Butler also founded a cancer support group and published an e-book about what to expect when undergoing chemotherapy. She is slowly resuming her work in fitness, and credits cancer with helping her face some deep-seated fears.
“Because of my diagnosis, I’ve faced the worst and I’ve seen the worst, and all of the things that I was worried about, I’ve dealt with,” she said.
Bugatti is finishing a course of immunotherapy plus chemotherapy—a major recent advance in treating triple-negative breast cancer—and then will have a brief break before her double mastectomy. While still on leave from work, she said she has been feeling well enough to do some hiking and try a few new hobbies.
“I’m in a much better space mentally now than when I was first diagnosed. Meeting with my amazing oncology team at Cedars and putting together a treatment plan helped me see that a life after cancer was possible,” Bugatti said. “My tumors are now undetectable on an ultrasound, and I’m truly just focused on making sure that I stay healthy, and on doing the things that make me happy.”
Learn more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Cancer Prognosticator