Wow, talk about courage and determination! Christina Applegate has been through so much over the years, all in the name of protecting her health and her family. Back in 2008, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, a battle that changed her life forever. To ensure she could be there for her daughter, Sadie, she made the tough decision to undergo a double mastectomy. Recently, Christina learned she carries the BRCA1 gene, which significantly increases the risk of cancer. In response, she took another brave step by opting for surgery to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes. This decision wasn’t easy, but it was made with her daughter’s future in mind.
“Two weeks ago, I had my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed,” Christina shared during an appearance on Today. “It wasn’t a decision I made lightly, but it was one I had to make. You see, my cousin passed away from ovarian cancer in 2008, and I didn’t want that to be my story. I wanted to take control of my health and my future. The BRCA1 gene is likely what led to my breast cancer diagnosis. Women with this gene have a 55 to 65 percent chance of developing breast cancer by age 70, according to cancer.gov. After my double mastectomy, I still faced a 39 percent chance of developing ovarian cancer. But now, thanks to this surgery, that risk is gone. It’s like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” she said with a mix of relief and humor. “Now, let’s just hope I don’t get hit by a bus!”
A Look at Christina's Journey and the Challenges Ahead
Christina and her daughter, Sadie. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Read also:Jane Fonda Reflects On Megyn Kellys Career Journey Amidst Past Tensions
But Christina's battle doesn't end there. The BRCA1 gene mutation is hereditary, meaning her daughter Sadie could also be at risk. “The chances that my daughter is BRCA positive are very high,” Christina explained. “As a mom, that breaks my heart. I look at her and think about the future. I try to feed her the cleanest foods, keep her stress levels down, and do everything I can to protect her health. In 20 years, she’ll need to start getting tested. Hopefully, by then, there will be advancements in medicine that can help her. It’s hard to think about, but I’m doing everything I can to prepare for that possibility.”
Christina's Mission to Empower Women
Recognizing the challenges women face in accessing genetic testing, Christina founded the Right Action for Women Foundation. This organization aims to provide more affordable access to BRCA1 testing, which is currently expensive and out of reach for many. “We’re at a critical point where we need to figure out how to move forward and make these tests more accessible,” Christina emphasized. “For so many women, the cost is prohibitive, especially if they don’t have great insurance. Knowing whether you have the gene can be empowering. It allows you to take control of your lifestyle and make informed decisions. Over the past two years, I’ve been focused on being a stay-at-home mom and raising my daughter. Now, I’m ready to move forward and help other women do the same.”
