For the past few years Gyan Gaiter’s life has been somewhat defined by the defective breast cancer gene threatening her life.
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A month ago, that definition was abandoned when the brave young East Maitland woman underwent a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction to help save her life.
“The sense of relief when I woke up from my surgery was amazing. The pain and scars are all worth it,” Gyan, 25, said.
“And I know my beautiful aunties and grandmother would be so proud that I took the knowledge they gave me, when it was too late for them and used it to my advantage to save my life.”
Gyan will share her emotional story as part of Saturday’s Maitland Relay For Life where she will also conduct the candlelight and remembrance ceremony.
“Telling my story is my way of spreading awareness of the choices some people have to make, and for people to look at their family history in case there are some signs of hereditary cancer,” she said.
Gyan was diagnosed with the breast cancer gene BRCA1 early last year after losing two aunts and a grandmother to the disease.
Post-mastectomy Gyan’s chances of developing breast cancer have plummeted to less than 5 per cent, but the risk of ovarian cancer will remain.
“I still need to deal with the ovarian cancer side of things after I have children, but due to it not being as early onset in my family history, my doctors feel this is something that can wait until I am 35 or so to make that decision,” she said.
The Maitland Relay For Life will be on Saturday at Maitland Sportsground. The event will start with the survivors’ walk at 10am with a remembrance walk taking place at 9.30pm. The event will close at 10pm.