At just 27, Daisy Ferns had a preventive double mastectomy after discovering that she carried the BRCA2 gene08:03, 06 Sep 2026Updated 08:03, 06 Sep 2026After watching her mum battle breast cancer twice and losing her grandmother to the same devastating disease, Daisy Fern was determined to not leave her health to chance.‌Finding out at just 26 that she carried the BRCA2 gene, Daisy took her future into her own hands. A year later, she made the brave decision to undergo a preventive double mastectomy, reducing her risk of developing breast cancer by up to 95%.‌According to Cancer Research UK, around 70% of women with faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes will develop breast cancer by the age of 80. After learning about the gene mutation, Daisy's mum underwent genetic testing - with results 18 months later, confirming that she carried the gene‌Daisy was tested shortly after, and doctors found she had also inherited carried the gene mutation too."Seeing my mum go through chemotherapy and radiotherapy twice, I just wanted to prevent going through it myself," Daisy, told the Daily Mirror. Although doctors initially tried to dissuade her due to her age, she stood firm.‌"I didn't take it lightly. It was a massive deal, but at the same time it was a no-brainer for me," the mum-of-two said. "You have to think about the physical aspects, and it was a big operation for me. I had just met my now husband - we'd only been together a year - but he was so supportive, and I went through with it."Surgeons removed both breasts and performed reconstructions with implants. While adjusting to her new body took time, the operation gave her a priceless peace of mind. Tragically, just four months after recovering from her double mastectomy, Daisy, a business owner from Derbyshire, faced a devastating diagnosis of cervical cancer."It was just a routine smear that had picked up cancerous cells," she said. "It was crazy and I had no symptoms whatsoever.‌"It completely knocked me, and I had so much anxiety about it coming back. I know BRCA2 was linked to ovarian cancer, but not cervical cancer. I religiously went for my smear test, so it was a real shock."Because the cervical cancer was caught in the early stages, Daisy didn't require chemotherapy and underwent a procedure to remove the affected part of her cervix.‌While BRCA2 is not linked to cervical cancer, it dramatically increases the risk of ovarian cancer. Carrying the mutation raises a woman's lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer from around one to two percent in the general population to between 11% and 25%.Now 40, with two children, Daisy is taking another major preventive step by undergoing a full hysterectomy to protect against ovarian cancer. "I am quite an emotional person, but for me, this is just a practical decision, she said. Why wouldn't I prevent it? I don't smoke, I don't use drugs, so for me it's just preventative care. It does mean I will be put into menopause but that's just something I will have to deal with. I have had two children and I feel ready now I am 40."Reflecting on her journey, Daisy sees her diagnosis as life-saving. "I feel lucky to have the BRCA2 gene because it means doctors are able to minimise the risk," she said. "I have that support. People say to me that I've been unlucky or that I am so brave, but for me, knowing is a blessing."Article continues belowAccording to Macmillan Cancer Support, a faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene variant is more likely if there is a pattern of cancer in your family, such as:Multiple relatives affected by breast cancer or ovarian cancerFamily members diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50Relatives diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer or high-grade serous ovarian cancerA relative with breast cancerA relative who has had bilateral breast cancer (both breasts) or both breast and ovarian cancerIf you are worried, you can find out more on the Macmillan website about the signs and symptoms of cancer that you may find helpful.