Why I started Test Us Too
My mum was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 42 years old and sadly passed away at the age of 51.
Watching someone you love go through cancer changes you forever. Losing my mum was devastating, but I always believed that because of our family history, if I was at risk, someone would identify it.
Over the years, I repeatedly asked about genetic testing. Despite my mum’s young age at diagnosis, I was told I did not meet the criteria.
I trusted the system. I never imagined that one day I would hear the words, “You have breast cancer too.”
My Day Everything Changed
At just 38 years old, I was diagnosed with grade 3 triple-negative breast cancer.
The genetic testing I had been requesting for years was finally offered after my diagnosis. The results showed that I carry a PALB2 gene mutation.
It was impossible not to ask myself: what if I had been given access to testing sooner?
Would my cancer have been found earlier? Could I have made informed choices about risk-reducing surgery? Could this journey have been different?
Turning Pain Into Purpose
After my diagnosis, I made a promise to myself that if I could use my experience to help even one person avoid what my family and I have been through, then I would.
The more I spoke openly about my story, the more I realised I was not alone. I heard from countless people who had also struggled to access genetic testing, despite significant family histories of cancer. Many had been told they did not meet the criteria, only to later face a cancer diagnosis themselves.
That is why I created Test Us Too.
This campaign is not about blame. It is about raising awareness, encouraging conversations, and advocating for fairer access to genetic testing for those who may be at increased risk.
No one should have to develop cancer before being given the opportunity to understand their genetic risk.
Genetic testing provides people with information. Information allows people to make informed decisions about increased surveillance, preventative options, and their future healthcare. For some, it could mean earlier detection. For others, it could mean peace of mind.
For me, this campaign is deeply personal.
I lost my mum to breast cancer. I was repeatedly refused genetic testing despite her diagnosis at a young age. At 38 years old, I was diagnosed with grade 3 triple-negative breast cancer and discovered that I carry a PALB2 gene mutation.
I cannot change my own story.
But I hope that by sharing it, we can help change someone else’s.
This campaign is for my mum.
It is for my children.
It is for every person who has been told they do not meet the criteria despite knowing something isn’t right.
And it is for future generations who deserve the chance to make informed choices about their health before cancer has the opportunity to change their lives forever.
No one should have to get cancer to get tested.
I don’t share my story for sympathy. I share it because no one should have to hear the words “you have cancer” before being given access to information that could help save their life.
Test Us Too was created to campaign for fairer access to genetic testing in the UK, so that people with a significant family history can understand their risk before cancer develops.
Why Change Is Needed
Current criteria for genetic testing can leave people falling through the cracks, even when they have a parent diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age.
I believe access to genetic testing should be based on meaningful family history and individual risk factors, allowing people to make informed decisions about surveillance and preventative options.
No one should have to fight to be heard. No one should have to get cancer to get tested.
Help Us Create Change
Every signature helps us raise awareness and push for fairer access to genetic testing.
Together, we can ensure future generations don’t face the same barriers that so many families experience today.
How You Can Help
Sign the petition
Every signature helps us raise awareness and push for fairer access to genetic testing.
Share the campaign
Share Test Us Too on social media and with friends and family to help us reach more people.
Start conversations
Talk about family history and the importance of understanding genetic risk.
Support others
If you’re navigating your own genetic testing journey, know that you are not alone.
Together, we can create a future where no one has to hear the words “you have cancer” before being offered the chance to understand their genetic risk.
Test Us Too 