Country star Morgan Wade reveals plans for double mastectomy after testing for breast cancer gene

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American country music singer Morgan Wade has revealed that she will undergo a double mastectomy later this year.

The 28-year-old country star shared that she tested positive for the BRCA gene — an inherited gene mutation that can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. talking to page six At the Highway Festival in London on May 20, the “Wilder Days” singer said: “I had the BRCA gene, it’s a breast cancer gene, so I’m having a double mastectomy in November.”

“I’m working really hard until November, so in November and December I have to rest,” she continued.

The Virginia native explained that a genetic predisposition to developing breast cancer runs in her family, which is why she made the difficult decision to undergo the procedure. Wade said, “My mother had it, and my little cousin is going to have it, but I’ll be fine.”

However, the “Run” singer shared that she is “feeling fine” leading up to the double mastectomy. “I feel great, I’m just angry that I won’t be able to work because I really love working,” she said. “That’s my only qualm about it.”

The BRCA genes — an acronym for “breast cancer gene” — are two different genes that have been found to affect a person’s likelihood of developing breast cancer. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes normally help repair DNA breaks that can lead to some cancers. However, when a mutation occurs in the BRCA gene, it may no longer be effective in preventing breast cancer. According to National Breast Cancer FoundationCarriers of the mutated gene can also pass a gene mutation on to their offspring.

It has been found that people with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations have a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. it is estimated 55 to 65 percent women Those with a BRCA1 mutation will develop breast cancer before the age of 70, whereas approximately 45 percent women Those with a BRCA2 mutation will develop breast cancer by age 70.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation reports that only a an estimated 0.25 percent The general population has a mutated BRCA gene. Genetic counseling is available for those who have a family history of breast cancer or have a genetic mutation.

Although it may be considered excessive, women with high-risk BRCA gene mutations may choose to undergo a preventive double mastectomy To avoid developing breast cancer. This surgery involves removing both breasts before cancer develops or spreads.

A 2018 study found that women with a mutation in the BRCA1 gene reduced their risk of dying prematurely by having both breasts removed prematurely. However, those with the BRCA2 gene mutation did not further reduce their risk of dying from the procedure.

In 2013, Hollywood star Angelina Jolie revealed a double mastectomy to reduce her risk of breast cancer after testing positive for the BRCA1 gene. in an article for new York Times Titled “My Medical Choices”, Jolie wrote that she completed three months of medical procedures in late April 2013, which she had managed to keep out of the public eye until now.

Jolie explained that her mother had died of breast cancer at age 56, and that she herself had a “faulty” BRCA1 gene, which doctors said increased her chances of developing the disease by 87 percent. , and the chance of getting ovarian cancer went up to 50 percent. St.

recently, former nbc news Anchor Jenna Wolfe has opened up about her decision to have a mastectomy and hysterectomy, a surgery to remove the uterus. “About a month ago, I tested positive for the BRCA-1 breast cancer gene (which means my chances of getting breast and ovarian cancer are…well…really high), I was told ‘my Leaving a little wiggle room to ‘consider the choice,’” she wrote in an Instagram post last April. “So without a lot of options, I quelled my fears, took a deep breath and opted for two very major surgeries.”

“Mastectomy behind me. All that’s left now is recovery and healing,” she wrote in a separate post. “The most important part. the hardest part. I Facetimed with my kids and little ones tonight [one] Told me, ‘Mom, you always say we can do tough things. Now we are telling you the same. you got this. We love you.’”