A Simple Test Helped Her Discover a Breast Cancer Risk – What Happened Next Will Surprise You
- The Results Showed a Mutation She Had Never Heard Of
- She Used the Test Results to Change Her Screening Plan
- Genetic Testing Also Helped Her Family
- What Andrea Wants Other Women to Know About Breast Cancer
- What Lifecode Can Help Reveal Before Breast Cancer Starts
- The Right Time to Test Is Before Breast Cancer Impacts You
Andrea had never been seriously ill. She ate well, exercised often, and saw her doctor regularly. Breast cancer was the last thing on her mind. Her most recent mammogram had been clear. No family history. No red flags.
But after a conversation with a friend who had recently done genetic testing, Andrea decided to order a Lifecode test. She didn’t expect it to reveal much. She wanted peace of mind.
What she got was a warning.
The Results Showed a Mutation She Had Never Heard Of
Two weeks after mailing in her saliva sample, Andrea opened her Lifecode results. There it was: a mutation in the PALB2 gene. One she didn’t know existed. One that could raise her lifetime breast cancer risk up to 58%, even without symptoms, even without family history.
It wasn’t something a mammogram would have shown. It wasn’t something her doctor had ever flagged. But it was real. And now, it was in her hands.
Lifecode included a session with a certified genetic counselor. They explained what the mutation meant, how it worked, and what Andrea’s next steps could look like. She finally had answers. Not guesses.
She Used the Test Results to Change Her Screening Plan
With her Lifecode report and counselor notes, Andrea met with her doctor. Together, they made a new plan:
- The first step was to start breast MRIs immediately. Andrea wouldn’t be waiting until 40 or 45, as typical guidelines suggest. Her elevated risk profile meant that more sensitive imaging was needed now, not later. MRIs can detect tumors that mammograms often miss, especially in younger patients with dense breast tissue. For Andrea, time wasn’t something to waste.
- Next, they moved to a six-month screening cycle. Instead of relying on an annual mammogram, Andrea would rotate between an MRI and a mammogram every few months. This rhythm creates fewer gaps where cancer could grow unnoticed. It also gives doctors a clearer timeline for spotting changes while they’re still manageable.
- Finally, they began planning for long-term prevention. Andrea’s doctor explained options like hormone-blocking medications, surgical prevention, and changes in diet, exercise, and alcohol use. Nothing needed to be decided right away, but the conversation had started. Andrea was no longer waiting for cancer to force hard decisions—she was planning ahead while still healthy.
Andrea had the information to take control. And her doctor thanked her for catching something that normal screening would have missed.
Genetic Testing Also Helped Her Family
Andrea’s results extended far beyond her own life. The PALB2 mutation she carried came from one side of her family, which meant others could carry it as well. That realization sparked action.
She began by encouraging her younger sister to get tested. Her sister was 29, healthy, and had never considered breast cancer a personal concern. But after hearing what Andrea had discovered, she decided it was time to find out for herself. Her test confirmed the same PALB2 mutation. It was a wake-up call, but it came early enough for her to start screenings and prevention years before the typical guidelines would have applied.
Their mother completed testing as well and received results showing no mutation. That allowed the family to trace the likely path of inheritance through their father’s side. A cousin on that side had faced breast cancer a few years earlier, and when she chose to get tested, her results matched Andrea’s. The connection between their experiences became clear.
What followed was a chain reaction. More relatives reached out with questions. Some scheduled tests for the first time. Others began speaking with their doctors about personalized screening plans. The topic, once avoided or unknown, had become part of regular conversations.
One test created clarity where there had been guesswork. It offered answers that helped the entire family make informed decisions about their health.
What Andrea Wants Other Women to Know About Breast Cancer
- “It’s not about waiting until something feels wrong,” she says. “I had no signs, no reason to worry. But this mutation was still there. I’m glad I found it early, not the hard way.”
- Andrea still goes in for regular screening. She hasn’t needed treatment. But the sense of control she now has changed how she thinks about her health, her choices, and her future.
- “If you’re wondering whether to do it, do it. Don’t assume your scans are enough. This is something deeper. And it’s worth knowing.”
What Lifecode Can Help Reveal Before Breast Cancer Starts
A Lifecode genetic test analyzes your DNA for mutations linked to breast cancer, including BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, CHEK2, and others. It helps uncover inherited risks that mammograms, bloodwork, and symptoms can’t detect. Here’s what you get:
A simple saliva kit delivered to your door
You won’t need to visit a lab or clinic. Lifecode sends a collection kit directly to your home, with clear instructions and everything you need. The process takes just a few minutes and can be done at your convenience, without disrupting your routine.
Results in 2–3 weeks
Once your sample is received, Lifecode begins analyzing your DNA for genetic mutations that are related to breast cancer. In most cases, results are available within two to three weeks. The turnaround is fast, and the results are prepared in a way that’s easy to understand.
Session with a licensed genetic counselor
Your report includes more than data. Lifecode connects you with a certified genetic counselor who walks you through the findings, answers your questions, and helps you understand what your results may mean for your health. This conversation turns numbers into clarity.
Reports for your doctor to guide your screening plan
The final report is built for real-world decisions. You can bring it to your next medical appointment and use it to create a screening or prevention strategy that reflects your actual risk. It supports smarter conversations and more tailored care. Early knowledge means better choices, earlier intervention, and a higher chance of catching breast cancer before it grows.
The Right Time to Test Is Before Breast Cancer Impacts You
Andrea didn’t wait for a diagnosis. She got ahead of it. Her story is a reminder that risk isn’t always visible and that the sooner you test, the more power you have.
Order your Lifecode test now and find out what your DNA might be telling you. The answers you need could already be inside you.
Education: Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai Experience: Agarwal is a seasoned pharmacist with over 7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical field. She has worked in various settings, including hospital pharmacies and community clinics, where she has excelled in medication management, patient counseling, and clinical support. Agarwal is known for her expertise in drug therapy optimization and patient safety. In addition to her practical experience, she contributes to health journalism, focusing on pharmaceutical advancements and health policy, and is involved in research projects aimed at improving medication practices and health outcomes. is known for her expertise in drug therapy optimization and patient safety. In addition to her practical experience, she contributes to health journalism, focusing on pharmaceutical advancements and health policy, and is involved in research projects aimed at improving medication practices and health outcomes.