A young woman from Lancashire has revealed how a life-changing decision in her early twenties likely saved her from a fate that tragically claimed her mother's life. Charlotte Hamer underwent a preventative double mastectomy at just 21 after genetic testing confirmed she carried a faulty gene that dramatically increases the risk of developing breast cancer.
A Legacy of Loss and a Proactive Choice
Charlotte's story is deeply intertwined with her mother's. Her mum was first diagnosed with breast cancer when Charlotte was only four years old and sadly passed away when Charlotte was ten. This early loss meant Charlotte grew up aware of the potential genetic time bomb she might have inherited.
In November 2020, at the age of 19, Charlotte's suspicions were confirmed. A test revealed she was a carrier of the faulty BRCA2 gene, the same gene mutation that had led to her mother's illness. This mutation gave Charlotte an estimated 80% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
Faced with this stark reality, Charlotte made a resolute decision. She described the choice to have a double mastectomy as a "no brainer". For her, it was an empowering step her mother never had the chance to take. The surgery, performed in October 2023, was not about fear, but about seizing control of her future health.
The Surgical Journey and Its Challenges
Charlotte's procedure involved a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. The operation was a medical success, slashing her breast cancer risk from a daunting 80% down to a much more manageable 4%.
However, her path to recovery was not straightforward. She fell into the small percentage of patients who experience complications. "I was one of the unlucky ones," Charlotte shared. The issues were severe enough that her implants had to be removed, leaving her with a flat chest while her body healed.
This unexpected turn was emotionally challenging. "I remember thinking to myself, 'I'm 22 and I've gone from having a DD chest to a flat chest'," she recalled. "At first I was struggling, you look in the mirror and you don't even recognise yourself... To be honest I was a bit heartbroken." Yet, even in this difficult period, she found a profound connection to her mother's experience.
Building a Community and Looking Forward
In November 2024, Charlotte had her final reconstructive surgery and is now happy with the results. More importantly, she has channelled her experience into a force for good. Together with her friend, Libby Pearson, she co-founded an Instagram support group, @thebrcajourney.
The community has quickly grown to include 45 women from all over the world who are navigating similar journeys with the BRCA gene mutation. "It's been one of the most empowering things I've ever done," Charlotte said. "We've brought so many women together."
Her motivation extends beyond her own wellbeing. "I would love to have kids one day and I don't want my kids to have to worry like I did," she explained. By sharing her story, Charlotte Hamer is not only protecting her own future but also offering hope and solidarity to countless others facing the same daunting genetic prognosis.
