Weight is over to get op to prevent cancer

Sarah hopes story will encourage others to check for breast lumps

- ELAINE KEOGH

A WOMAN who has opted to have a double mastectomy because of a high risk of breast cancer shed six-and-a-half stone following weight-loss surgery.

Sarah McAvinchey, 29, said, "the most important thing I have learned is not to equate weight with happiness".

Her mother was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer when Sarah was 13 and it was discovered it was caused by a mutation of the BRCA1 gene.

When Sarah reached 18 she was also tested and found she had the same gene mutation.

Sarah said having the gene means, "there is an 80 to 85% chance of breast cancer so I have opted for a double mastectomy".

She is having DIEP surgery where breast tissue is removed and at the same time abdominal tissue is used to reconstruct them.

However, Sarah has polycystic ovary syndrome and as a result is prone to putting on weight.