I’m on Tamoxifen because I had breast cancer at age 59 - and it is not a pill you just take to “block” breast cancer, especially not in your 30s. It has side effects, not the least of which is throwing a woman into early menopause. It can also cause endometrial wall thickening, which can put a woman at risk for uterine cancer. Also, it is only used for certain types of breast cancer (estrogen/progesterone fed cancer) and would do nothing for someone with another type of cancer. All that said, a double mastectomy is drastic and I’ve read it is not a guarantee that a woman with the genetic markers for cancer won’t get it - it just reduces the risk. For some women, it’s worth it. I wouldn’t have done it. Early detection saves lives - breast cancer isn’t the death sentence it was when my Grandmother was diagnosed in 1960. If you have a family history - like my daughter does - be vigilant with self-exam and talk to a Dr about early mammograms. Eat healthy, manage your weight, exercise and avoid smoking and alcohol - all risk factors. Ultimately every woman needs to make her own decision and Kayleigh was very brave to do what she did. I hope she will never have to fight breast cancer.

I’m on Tamoxifen because I had breast cancer at age 59 - and it is not a pill you just take to “block” breast cancer, especially not in your 30s. It has side effects, not the least of which is throwing a woman into early menopause. It can also cause endometrial wall thickening, which can put a woman at risk for uterine cancer. Also, it is only used for certain types of breast cancer (estrogen/progesterone fed cancer) and would do nothing for someone with another type of cancer. All that said, a double mastectomy is drastic and I’ve read it is not a guarantee that a woman with the genetic markers for cancer won’t get it - it just reduces the risk. For some women, it’s worth it. I wouldn’t have done it. Early detection saves lives - breast cancer isn’t the death sentence it was when my Grandmother was diagnosed in 1960. If you have a family history - like my daughter does - be vigilant with self-exam and talk to a Dr about early mammograms. Eat healthy, manage your weight, exercise and avoid smoking and alcohol - all risk factors. Ultimately every woman needs to make her own decision and Kayleigh was very brave to do what she did. I hope she will never have breast cancer.

I’m on Tamoxifen because I had breast cancer at age 59 - and it is not a pill you just take to “block” breast cancer, especially not in your 30s. It has side effects, not the least of which is throwing a woman into early menopause. It can also cause endometrial wall thickening, which can put a woman at risk for uterine cancer. Also, it is only used for certain types of breast cancer (estrogen/progesterone fed cancer) and would do nothing for someone with another type of cancer. All that said, a double mastectomy is drastic and I’ve read it is not a guarantee that a woman with the genetic markers for cancer won’t get it - it just reduces the risk. For some women, it’s worth it. I wouldn’t have done it. Early detection saves lives - breast cancer isn’t the death entrance it was when my Grandmother was diagnosed in 1960. If you have a family history - like my daughter does - be vigilant with self-exam and talk to a Dr about early mammograms. Eat healthy, manage your weight, exercise and avoid smoking and alcohol - all risk factors. Ultimately every woman needs to make her own decision and Kayleigh was very brave to do what she did. I hope she will never have breast cancer.

I’m on Tamoxifen because I had breast cancer at age 59 - and it is not a pill you just take to “block” breast cancer, especially not in your 30s. It has side effects, not the least of which is throwing a woman into early menopause. It can also cause endometrial wall thickening, which can put a woman at risk for uterine cancer. Also, it is only used for certain types of breast cancer (estrogen/progesterone fed cancer) and would do nothing for someone with another type of cancer. All that said, a double mastectomy is drastic and I’ve read it is not a guarantee that a woman with the genetic markers for cancer won’t get it - it reduces the risk. For some women, it’s worth it. I wouldn’t have done it. Early detection saves lives - breast cancer isn’t the death entrance it was when my Grandmother was diagnosed in 1960. If you have a family history - like my daughter does - be vigilant with self-exam and talk to a Dr about early mammograms. Eat healthy, manage your weight, exercise and avoid smoking and alcohol - all risk factors. Ultimately every woman needs to make her own decision and Kayleigh was very brave to do what she did. I hope she will never have breast cancer.

I’m on Tamoxifen because I had breast cancer at age 59 - and it is not a pill you just take to “block” breast cancer, especially not in your 30s. It has side effects, not the least of which is throwing a woman into early menopause. It can also cause endometrial wall thickening, which can put a woman at risk for uterine cancer. Also, it is only used for certain types of breast cancer (estrogen/progesterone fed cancer) and would do nothing for someone with another type of cancer. All that said, a double mastectomy is drastic and I’ve read it is not a guarantee that a woman with the genetic markers for cancer won’t get it - it jut reduces the risk. For some women, it’s worth it. I wouldn’t have done it. Early detection saves lives - breast cancer isn’t the death entrance it was when my Grandmother was diagnosed in 1960. If you have a family history - like my daughter does - be vigilant with self-exam and talk to a Dr about early mammograms. Eat healthy, manage your weight, exercise and avoid smoking and alcohol - all risk factors. Ultimately every woman needs to make her own decision and Kayleigh was very brave to do what she did. I hope she will never have breast cancer.