Breast Cancer Survivor Advocating for Cancer Genetic Testing

For Breast Cancer, Early Diagnosis Makes a Difference

In August of 2022, while enjoying a late summer vacation with loved ones, Randy Levy discovered a lump on her breast. Despite being diligent with her health, attending annual physicals with her primary care provider and getting regular mammograms, she knew that something was wrong. Upon her return from vacation, she was seen immediately at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), for an ultrasound and biopsy. The results came back the next day confirming her worst fears; she had Stage IV metastatic breast cancer.

A Rare Discovery

Receiving a sudden cancer diagnosis is a life-altering moment for anyone. For Randy, this initial diagnosis was just the beginning of her journey.

The weeks that followed involved a whirlwind of tests, appointments and most of all uncertainty over what lay ahead. In addition to her cancer diagnosis, Randy also tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation.

Everyone has the BRCA1 (BReast CAncer gene 1) and BRCA2 (BReast CAncer gene 2) genes in their cells, which are inherited from each parent. When functioning properly, they help to repair damaged DNA, keep other genes healthy and prevent cancerous changes in cells.

When someone inherits a faulty copy of the BRCA2 gene from a parent, however, they have a significantly higher risk of developing various types of cancer. Specifically, breast cancer and ovarian cancer in women, pancreatic cancer in both men and women, and an aggressive form of prostate cancer in men. An increased risk of melanoma may also be associated with inherited BRCA2 mutations.

Nadine Muskatel Tung, MD, Director of the Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program, and part of Randy’s care team at BIDMC, explains,

“An individual who knows they have inherited the BRCA2 (or 1) mutation allows that individual to get more frequent and more intensive screening or perform preventative surgery to dramatically decrease the risk of ever getting cancer. Knowing one has a BRCA mutation, and screening for the associated cancers, allows for earlier detection which leads to a higher cure rate.”

Over the next few months, Randy would undergo a series of procedures, including chemotherapy and multiple surgeries to successfully eliminate the nodule on her chest.

Advocating to Help Others

Before her final surgery at BIDMC in March of 2024, Randy took to social media to share her story and the importance of genetic testing.

“I had a moment of clarity,” says Randy, “It was 6 a.m., and I was waiting to be brought in for surgery when I decided to take a video. I am not one to post on social media, but I just felt the need to share my story and start spreading awareness about genetic testing.”

Post-surgery, Randy opened her phone and was met with a flood of messages from friends and followers.

“People were saying they didn’t know anything about genetic testing, or they didn’t know both men and women could be BRCA-positive, some people were saying they were going to get tested as soon as possible,” says Randy, “It made me feel so good to see so many people respond because, had I known my BRCA status sooner, I could have done something different. Genetic testing can help a lot of people prevent cancer, and my passion is now advocating for it.”

Getting tested for the BRCA gene mutation can be done at home with a saliva sample or through a blood test. Knowing your BRCA status allows health care providers to recommend strategies to prevent or detect cancers at an earlier stage. Additionally, if you've been diagnosed with breast, ovarian, prostate or pancreatic cancer, knowing your genetic status might alter the treatment plan for you.

Dr. Tung agrees, “Yes, for any individual who has cancer or a family history of cancer, BRCA gene testing should be done in order to screen for and prevent the types of cancers associated with the gene.”

Team Approach to Care

For Randy, knowing her BRCA2 positive status and understanding her family history helped her team at BIDMC develop the right treatment plan for her. The collaborative approach to her care made Randy comfortable and helped her navigate her diagnosis and treatment with confidence.

Today, while continuing regular appointments and scans, Randy is now cancer-free, and her life is starting to get back to normal. Looking back on her experience, Randy is grateful for the personalized and comprehensive care she received, saying,

“At BIDMC, there was not just one doctor treating me. I had a whole team of people from cancer genetics to oncology, etc. looking at my family history and putting together the big picture of my health. During the first few months of diagnosis and treatment everything was changing, there was a lot of uncertainty and anxieties. But my care team was there. I trusted them and they were wonderful and caring.”