It Starts with You – Hereditary Cancer Campaign

Hi, I’m Becky Measures, presenter of the Breakfast Show on BBC Radio Derby.

In 2004, I found out that I carried the BRCA1 gene mutation, meaning I had a significantly increased risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Two years later, at just 24 years old, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life – to undergo a preventative double mastectomy. I was the youngest woman at the time in UK to have the operation.

My mum had become the first person to ever have the same surgery after discovering 9 out of 12 family members had breast and ovarian cancer. She also carried the gene.

Neither of us had cancer, but we knew the risk we faced, and we chose to act before the disease had the chance to.
It wasn’t a decision I took lightly. It involved counselling, difficult conversations and major surgery.
There were moments of fear and uncertainty, but there was also hope and the belief that I was giving myself the best possible chance of a healthy future.

Now, 20 years later, I can honestly say I don’t regret it for a second. I’m 44 years old, a proud mum of two wonderful children, and I’m healthy, happy and excited about everything life still has to offer.

That experience changed the direction of my life and ignited a passion for raising awareness of hereditary cancer and helping other families understand the importance of knowing their history, recognising their risk and making informed choices. For two decades, I’ve dedicated myself to supporting others and encouraging conversations that could ultimately save lives.

That’s why I’m so proud to be leading BBC Radio Derby’s It Starts With You campaign. Cancer is a frightening word, but knowledge really is power. Understanding your family history, recognising the signs and taking action early can make all the difference – not just for you, but for your children and generations to come.

Sometimes, the conversation that starts with you could be the one that saves a life.

BBC Radio Derby’s ‘It Starts With You’ campaign aims to shine a spotlight on hereditary cancers.

We also want to help you check yourselves for any signs of cancer, we will be running a number of roadshows where you can join Becky, the BBC Radio Derby team and medical professionals to learn more about hereditary cancers.

Listen to the breakfast show below:

Most people are unaware of their risk of inherited genetic cancers. Understanding your family history can change that.

Inherited genetic cancers occur early. Typically in people’s 30s, 40s and 50s, rather than in old age.

It is true that healthy lifestyle choices matter and support overall wellbeing — but they do not change inherited genetic cancer risk.

Around 1 in 125 people globally carry an inherited genetic cancer risk - yet more than 90% are unaware.

The three most common gene mutations are Lynch Syndrome, BRCA, and Familial Prostate Cancer . Carriers of the mutations can only be identified by genetic testing.

Here is some more information about genetic tests for cancer risk: Genetic tests to check your cancer risk - NHS

‘It Starts with You’ On the Road

Join us at one of our roadshows where medical professionals will be on hand to offer advice on hereditary cancers.

29th July – Whitworth Centre, Darley Dale, 11-3pm

7th August - Meadowside, Burton, TIME TBC

19th August – Age UK, Chaddesden Park TIME TBC.