My name is Amanda Burroughes, I am 56 years old and I live in Brighton.

My mother was Polish and of Jewish ancestry and developed breast cancer in her late 50’s, then secondary bone cancer and died. I had always worried about breast cancer as cancers in general were prevalent in my family. 

A close friend of similar background developed breast cancer and discovered she had the BRCA 1 gene.  As I was also of Ashkenazi descent it was suggested that I was tested. My results showed that I was also positive for the BRCA 2 gene. 

With the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer of 85% I felt that risk reducing surgery was the best course of action for me to take.  With the care and support of the NHBCH I had my double mastectomy in 2010. 

I have found the whole experience to be totally empowering and have no regrets about the decision I made, I feel extremely positive about how my body looks now and by taking part in this venture I hope these pictures may inspire and help those who find themselves in a similar situation.