It Starts with You – Becky's Story

I’m Becky Measures, presenter of the Breakfast Show on BBC Radio Derby.

In 2004, I found out that I carried the BRCA1 gene mutation, meaning I had a significantly increased risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Two years later, at just 24 years old, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life – to undergo a preventative double mastectomy. I was the youngest woman at the time in UK to have the operation.

My mum had become the first person to ever have the same surgery after discovering 9 out of 12 family members had breast and ovarian cancer. She also carried the gene.

Neither of us had cancer, but we knew the risk we faced, and we chose to act before the disease had the chance to.
It wasn’t a decision I took lightly. It involved counselling, difficult conversations and major surgery.
There were moments of fear and uncertainty, but there was also hope and the belief that I was giving myself the best possible chance of a healthy future.

Now, 20 years later, I can honestly say I don’t regret it for a second. I’m 44 years old, a proud mum of two wonderful children, and I’m healthy, happy and excited about everything life still has to offer.

That experience changed the direction of my life and ignited a passion for raising awareness of hereditary cancer and helping other families understand the importance of knowing their history, recognising their risk and making informed choices. For two decades, I’ve dedicated myself to supporting others and encouraging conversations that could ultimately save lives.

That’s why I’m so proud to be leading BBC Radio Derby’s It Starts With You campaign. Cancer is a frightening word, but knowledge really is power. Understanding your family history, recognising the signs and taking action early can make all the difference – not just for you, but for your children and generations to come.

Sometimes, the conversation that starts with you could be the one that saves a life.