Birmingham mum says research breakthrough gave her the hope she needed to start a family

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A Birmingham mum, who had both breasts removed to try and avoid the cancer that killed her mother and grandmother because of a faulty gene, says groundbreaking genetic research has given her family a future.

Alison Cupples was just 24 when she found out she had inherited a faulty version of the BRCA2 gene which dramatically increases a person’s risk of cancer. She’d watched her mum Angela battle breast cancer twice before she died in March 2009. Before that, her grandmother and two of her great aunts had also died of the disease.

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Now aged 40 with a daughter of her own, Alison says she has research to thank for giving her the future she dreamed of.

She and her daughter Mila, a nine-year-old goalkeeper on Birmingham City FC’s Emerging Talent Centre team, are backing a Cancer Research UK campaign to help fund more big research breakthroughs on the 30th anniversary of the BRCA genes discovery.

Alison Cupples with her daughter MilaAlison Cupples with her daughter Mila
Alison Cupples with her daughter Mila

Thirty years ago this month, Cancer Research UK scientists were at the forefront of the discovery of the BRCA genes – helping to unlock the knowledge that faults in these genes increase people’s risk of developing certain types of cancer including breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic.

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As Alison’s family knows all too well, around 70 per cent of women with faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes will develop breast cancer by the age of 80.*

That’s why she and her two sisters chose to be genetically tested as soon as they found out this was an option in their twenties.

Alison’s older sister Selina found she had a normal BRCA2 gene, while Alison and her younger sister Francesca both found they had inherited a faulty version of the gene. Both younger sisters chose to have full mastectomies followed by reconstruction surgery to reduce their risk of developing cancer in future.

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Although not an easy option, Alison says she has no regrets and wants to continue supporting research to give others hope for the future.

Alison, who underwent the double mastectomy in 2008 followed by reconstruction surgery, has just taken part in a Cancer Research UK funded clinical trial to remove her fallopian tubes to further reduce her risk of ovarian cancer.

Research like this shows how the incredible BRCA gene breakthrough is continuing to save and improve the lives of people like Alison by revolutionising how these cancers are prevented, diagnosed and treated.

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“My mum and nan never got the chance to make the choices I’ve made, said Alison from Sutton Coldfield. “I remember telling mum I was going to have surgery and she told me how brave I was. The way I saw it, if I’d had the same chance of winning the lottery I’d take it. It was a relief once it was done but I still worried about my increased risk of ovarian cancer which can be hard to spot. That’s why I took part in a clinical trial last year to have my fallopian tubes removed.

“Without the research that’s taken place over the last thirty years I wouldn’t have had these choices so I’m incredibly grateful to the scientists that have given me and my daughter a future. Thanks to research, I’m looking forward to seeing Mila grow up, I’m looking forward to seeing her get married, get her first house and possibly have grandchildren. These are some of the things my mum didn’t get to see.”

Knowing whether someone carries a faulty BRCA gene, can help them to make informed decisions about their health. They could choose to access earlier and more regular cancer screening, make healthy lifestyle changes or take drugs such as tamoxifen or anastrozole - types of hormone therapy Cancer Research UK played a leading role in developing - that block oestrogen from telling cancer cells to grow. Or, like Alison, they could undergo preventative surgery to help reduce their cancer risk.

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Alison added: “The research has come so far in such a short time so who knows where it’s going to be in another ten or twenty years for my daughter or her children.

“Advances like this simply wouldn’t be possible without regular monthly donations from the public that keep the charity’s scientists researching month in, month out. This vital work needs our support to help create more ‘Eureka!’ moments.”

With around 33,700 people diagnosed with cancer every year in the West Midlands,** Alison’s message is clear – to save lives tomorrow, the charity needs people’s support today.

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Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the West Midlands, Paula Young, said: “Together, we are beating cancer. From understanding DNA repair and helping to discover the BRCA genes to developing treatments for faulty BRCA-driven cancers, we’re making huge leaps forward thanks to the generosity of our supporters. So, we’re grateful to Alison for helping to highlight the enormous difference a regular income makes to our work.

“It means we can plan ahead, committing to long-term research projects with huge potential to help save more lives. And because of monthly donations we can learn more, faster and accelerate progress.

“We hope people will consider giving regularly to the charity, if they can, because our work isn’t done yet. We want to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. No matter who they are or where they’re from.”

Donate monthly to Cancer Research UK at cruk.org/donate

Inherited Cancer Genes: Who is at risk?

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Cancer Research UK Senior Health Information Manager, Dr Claire Knight, explains what it means to have a ‘strong family history of cancer’ and how people can seek help.

She said: “We all have BRCA genes, which contain instructions for repairing our DNA when it gets damaged. But around 1 in 400 people inherit a rare fault in these genes which increases their risk of developing certain types of cancer.*** Because cancer is common, most families will have at least one person who has or has had cancer. But having a couple of relatives diagnosed with the disease doesn’t mean there is a cancer gene fault running in the family.

“Generally, a ‘strong family history’ of cancer means multiple close family members on the same side of the family who have the same cancer type. If this sounds like your family, you might be eligible for an NHS genetic test. You need to be referred for this test by a specialist, so you need to talk to your GP first.

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“Your GP will ask you who in your family has had cancer, the type of cancer they had and how old they were when they were diagnosed. You may then be referred to a genetic clinic where they’ll take a detailed look at your family history and decide if you need a genetic test.

“If you have a strong family history, deciding on genetic testing, or finding out you carry a cancer gene fault and considering your options, can be very emotional. People can visit the Cancer Research UK website for support or speak to our cancer nurses on our helpline.”

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