Susie

My name is Susan Chappin, I am 40 years old, married to Andy with two children, Liam who is 10 and Lily aged 7.

I have been affected by cancer within my family since I was a teenager. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 42 but after lots of invasive treatment and a hard battle, sadly died at the age of 46 in 1980. My father was diagnosed with lung cancer shortly after my mother died. He was 48 and died a year later in 1982. My older sister was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was only 32 and died in 1996 at the age of 34 leaving behind a husband and two young children.

My eldest sister Christine was also diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 42 and underwent a gruelling course of treatment, several operations and has recently had her ovaries removed for preventative reasons. She is currently in remission and doing extremely well.

Having three members of my family suffer from breast cancer at young ages put my risk as high as 60 - 85%, compared to 12% for those women with no family background of breast cancer who live to age 90. As a result of this we were offered the chance to undergo genetic testing; unfortunately our results were inconclusive. My younger sister and I were then offered the chance to reduce our risks by having a double prophylactic mastectomy. After serious thought and going through all the advantages and disadvantages we both agreed.

The Royal Marsden hospital and Mr Gui, my surgeon, were wonderful and made the whole process seem easy. I personally had no problems with the operations and now feel great relief in knowing I have done all I can to help reduce my chances of getting this awful life threatening disease.

Being part of this Bosom Buddies calendar with my sisters Christine Creasy and Mandi McSwiggan, will not only be rewarding to us but hopefully encouraging to others.