'Genetic testing for breast cancer gave me power'

A woman whose mother saved her blood before she died of breast cancer so her children could undergo genetic testing has said "knowledge has given me power".

Jane Tomlinson, from Leeds, who died in 2007 aged 43, had asked for her blood to be stored so it could be checked for the hereditary cancer gene BRCA2 which dramatically increases the risks of breast, ovarian and prostate cancer.

In 2023, it was confirmed that Jane - a prolific fundraiser - had been a carrier, which meant daughter Becca was eligible for free testing. Later that year, it was found she also had the faulty gene.

Becca, 37, who underwent a preventative double mastectomy, said her mother's actions "possibly saved my life".

Becca said initially she and her siblings did not want their mother's blood to be tested but after the birth of her second child, she felt it was the "right time".

Jane's blood test results meant her children had a 50% chance of carrying the same gene.

After finding out she carried BRCA2 in June 2023, the decision to have a double mastectomy was "clear".

"At the time my risk was 20% but it jumps a lot higher in your 40s so I decided to take preventative measures," said Becca.

"If I had been in my 20s it would have been more difficult but I have two beautiful children and I am a similar age to mum was when she found out she had terminal breast cancer."

Currently, genetic testing relating to breast and ovarian cancers is free on the NHS to patients who meet certain criteria.

This includes those with a significant family history of certain types of cancer, people of a Jewish background and any close relative of someone who has been told they have a faulty gene.

"None of my family would be eligible for NHS testing unless it was known that Mum had the gene – which is why the blood sample was so important," said Becca.

Hannah Musgrave, consultant genetic counsellor for the Leeds Clinical Genomics Service at The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "Once a gene change is found, we can offer a 'predictive' genetic test to family members to help them understand their personal risk levels."

She added: "A positive test result may allow people to access more cancer screening or consider options to reduce their risks."

Becca also had her fallopian tubes removed in 2024 and plans to have her ovaries removed when she is older.

Jane, a radiographer and amateur athlete was made CBE for charitable services after raising £1.75m for charity in a series of gruelling challenges.

Becca said her mother was a "formidable" woman, adding she was "really proud" of her foresight.

"I am really lucky I get to make decisions on knowledge that mum did not have," she added.

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