About Me
I’m Trey, and I’m from Southbridge, Massachusetts. I was 29 years old when I learned I carried the BRCA2 gene mutation.
How This Started
My grandmother passed away from breast cancer when my mother was just 16 years old. That loss shaped her life profoundly. Because of it, my mom made a promise to herself that she would do everything possible to avoid leaving her sons at a young age. She was tested for the BRCA2 mutation and learned that she was positive. In response, she took proactive action to protect her health, including a decision to take preventive action. I was with her through every part of that journey. To this day, she is the strongest person I know.
What I Noticed
I had no symptoms. What I had was a number, a 50% chance of carrying the same mutation my mother tested positive for.
What Happened Next
After attending the DetecTogether Gala, I felt compelled to stop sitting with that number and do something about it. I spoke with my doctor and a genetic counselor, went through the testing process, and learned that I, too, carried the BRCA2 mutation and that there were more benefits to this knowledge than I ever imagined.
My Decisions Along the Way
I worked with both a doctor and a genetic counselor to understand what testing meant and what my results would require for me going forward.
Why It Was Easy to Wait
I did not realize BRCA2 was important for men to understand, too, and had no knowledge that it can lead to a higher risk for breast, pancreatic, stomach, and prostate cancers.
The Moment Things Changed
Attending the DetecTogether Galas gave me the courage to face this information head-on. Without that, I may have continued living with a 50% risk I never confirmed and wasn’t taking early action on.
What I Learned
As a male with BRCA2, I now face a 5–10% lifetime risk of breast cancer, a 3–5% risk of pancreatic cancer, a 3.5% risk of stomach cancer, and a 25% risk of prostate cancer. I also learned that I should begin screenings and preventative care as early as age 35, something I would not have known without testing.
What Would Have Helped Sooner
Understanding earlier that BRCA2 can impact men too, and that testing could guide earlier screenings.
What I Want Others to Know
I remain hopeful because of early detection. If sharing my story encourages even one person to consider genetic testing, then it’s worth it.
Call to Action
If you have a family history of BRCA2 or hereditary cancer, talk to your doctor and a genetic counselor about getting tested. Knowing gives you the best possible chance for a long, healthy future.
Tags
Behavior Pattern: Genetic testing after family history awareness and DetecTogether Gala attendance
System Barrier: Limited awareness of BRCA2-related cancer risks in men
Cancer Type: BRCA2 hereditary mutation
Symptoms
- Asymptomatic
- Family History of BRCA2