I'm a freelance writer and author, as well as a breast cancer "previvor-turned-survivor" carrying a mutation in one of the "breast cancer genes," specifically the CHEK2 gene. My family history of breast cancer and the devastating loss of cherished loved ones to the disease prompted my journey of extensive research, self-reflection and self-advocacy in the face of my hereditary risk. After undergoing a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy, my post-surgery pathology report revealed that a cancerous tumor had been slowly growing undetected - even with enhanced surveillance - for years. That’s when I went from being a “previvor” to a “survivor.” I credit my intuition and the surgery with saving my life.