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Preventative breast cancer surgery, genetic test available to Sask. women

May 15, 2013 | 6:34 AM

It’s a drastic move by Angelina Jolie to reduce developing breast cancer later in life.

The Hollywood star underwent a double mastectomy after a genetic test showed she has a specific gene putting her at a higher risk.

Women in Saskatchewan looking to get a similar preventative procedure in this province can also do so. The Ministry of Health said genetic testing is carried out and if that test shows you are more susceptible to breast cancer, the double mastectomy surgery would be covered.

It’s not a choice for some women though.

A Regina woman—who wanted to be identified only as Susan—had both her breasts removed after being diagnosed with breast cancer twice.

“I don’t think I would have ever just went in and did it unless I absolutely had to. And I don’t think everybody should go in and get everything cut off just in case,” she said.

“I think it’s a personal thing. I don’t know if I would recommend it. I think its how you feel about yourself and what you think.”

Susan said advancements in medicine have come a long way from when she was first diagnosed in 1982. She said getting breast cancer now isn’t necessarily a death sentence.

“With the new technologies and things that are out there now there’s just so much more hope. It’s not like it used to be.”

“I’ve survived 31 years. You got to think positive.”

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