One year after disclosing the diagnosis, the Hall of Famer recounts her successful battle with the disease.
Published Jan 18, 2023
After recovering from chemotherapy, Evert had to confront another health crisis. BRCA mutations significantly raise the risk of developing breast cancer, as well as an increased chance of prostate and pancreatic cancer. She could monitor the situation with frequent testing, or opt for another surgery.
In December 2022, a year to the day from her hysterectomy, Evert had a double mastectomy. The report came back clear, and the risk of her developing breast cancer has been reduced by more than 90 percent.
Of the many millions of people with a BRCA mutation, only 10 percent are aware they are carriers. Evert’s hope in recounting her battle is to raise awareness of genetic testing.
“As relieved as I will be to get to the other side of this, I will always have a heavy heart,” said Evert. “I will never heal from losing Jeanne, and I will never take for granted the gift she gave me in the process.
“My sister's journey saved my life, and I hope by sharing mine, I just might save somebody else's.”
