TODAY Show contributor Jill Martin credits a genetic test with saving her life

Today's Jill Martin Reflects on Breast Cancer Diagnosis—And Opens Up About the Genetic Test That Saved Her Life In June 2023, Martin discovered she was positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation and was subsequently diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer

TODAY Show contributor Jill Martin credits a genetic test with saving her life

• TODAY Show contributor Jill Martin credits a genetic test with saving her life.
• In June 2023, Martin discovered she was positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation and was subsequently diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.
• Now cancer-free, Martin encourages people to ask their healthcare providers if they’re a candidate for genetic testing.

One “earth-shattering” phone call in June 2023 changed Jill Martin’s life forever.

Weeks before, the TODAY Show contributor had taken a genetic test to identify her cancer risk. Despite a recent breast sonogram and mammogram coming back clear—indicating to Martin that she was breast cancer-free—her doctors suggested a closer look.

“When they said genetic testing, I said, ‘No problem,’” Martin told Health. “And then that three-minute phone call changed my life.”

The results of that genetic test—that Martin was positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation, increasing her lifetime risk of breast cancer by more than 60%—ushered in a series of events that eventually led to a stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis.

“It’s one of the easiest tests I’ve ever taken with one of the toughest results I’ve ever gotten,” said Martin.

Following her BRCA2-positive diagnosis—a gene mutation she inherited from her father—Martin planned on getting a preventative double mastectomy. But a preoperative MRI found that she already had breast cancer, despite a clear mammogram and sonogram.

The news was scary, but Martin said she still felt grateful: “Looking back, if I could talk to that girl, I would say, ‘[You’re] so lucky you caught it.’”

After that diagnosis, Martin underwent a double mastectomy, chemotherapy treatment, and a breast reconstruction. Martin also had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed to reduce her risk of ovarian cancer, which the BRCA2 gene mutation increases.

Now cancer-free, Martin is raising awareness about breast cancer with a special emphasis on genetic testing. She’s also recently launched her new brand, By Jill Martin, which features a fan-favorite Sherpa hoodie with a purpose: Martin has teamed up with the NBA and WNBA to create special pink versions of her Sherpa hoodies, the proceeds of which will be donated to the Brasser Center for BRCA, a center dedicated to BRCA-related cancer research, treatment, and prevention.

Martin hopes that her story will help raise awareness for genetic testing and motivate others to have a conversation with their doctors about whether they’re a good candidate for it.

She notes that testing isn’t only important for the person getting the test, but for their family members, as well. Because Martin determined she inherited the gene mutation from her father—her mother had tested negative years ago—sharing the news with him and her brother was difficult but necessary. Armed with that information, they both now get regular cancer screenings as well.

“Knowing you have the BRCA gene is a life-altering experience and a call to action,” Martin said. “Having the BRCA gene is serious, and you need to be your own best friend and advocate for yourself.”

This story originally appeared on: Health News - Author:UK GAG