Hayley Minn chose to have a double mastectomy and reconstruction at age 27, despite not having cancer, after learning she carried a faulty BRCA1 gene. This genetic mutation significantly increases a woman's risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. Minn's decision was made to preemptively reduce her breast cancer risk to nearly zero.
The BRCA1 gene was inherited from her father, Eliot, whose mother died of breast cancer in her 40s. While men can carry and pass on the gene, studies indicate women who inherit a BRCA mutation from their father may be less likely to undergo proactive testing compared to those who inherit it from their mother. Minn's father, tested after his cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer, confirmed his carrier status, leading Minn to also get tested.
In March 2015, at age 23, Minn received her test results, which indicated an 80% increased likelihood of developing breast cancer. Witnessing her father's distress over his perceived role in her potential diagnosis, she resolved to have a mastectomy. While many women with BRCA mutations opt for this preventative surgery, a UK study found that nearly half of women with faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes chose a double mastectomy within 20 years.
Referred to breast surgeon Mrs. Fawzia Imtiaz Crosbie and later plastic surgeon Dr. Dan Marsh, Minn discussed her options. She decided against immediate reconstruction using abdominal tissue due to insufficient fat, opting instead for implants. She also chose to keep her nipples, as the risk of cancer developing in them was estimated to be under 5%. This approach is similar to that taken by Angelina Jolie, who publicly disclosed her BRCA1 mutation and subsequent preventive mastectomy in 2013.
Before her surgery on February 13, 2019, Minn's mother hosted a 'Bye Bye Boobs' party with friends and family. The surgery, performed at the Royal Free Hospital in North London, was followed by immediate reconstruction. While initially discharged with insufficient pain relief, Minn experienced severe post-operative pain, necessitating a return of stronger medication by her surgeon. She relied on her mother for daily care during her initial recovery.
Upon seeing her results after the swelling subsided and stitches were removed, Minn expressed satisfaction with the surgeons' work, noting minimal scarring. The scars, placed above her nipples by Mrs. Crosbie to be less visible in a bikini, are now barely noticeable. Minn finds confidence in her decision, noting the upside of not needing to wear a bra and having reconstructed breasts that remain unchanged by age. However, she acknowledges that the reconstructed breasts can sometimes exhibit rippling due to the implants, especially when cold or after physical activity.
Minn also highlighted the emotional impact of not being able to breastfeed her future children, a choice taken away by the surgery. She noted increased sensitivity in her nipples post-surgery, sometimes causing discomfort in cold environments.
As a member of the Ashkenazi Jewish community, where BRCA mutations are more prevalent, Minn's experience aligns with the NHS's free saliva testing program for individuals with at least one Jewish grandparent. Minn now volunteers for the breast cancer charity CoppaFeel!, educating others about breast health and the importance of self-checks.