90 Years of Discovery and Hope in B.C.: Valerie Heyman’s Story

When Valerie Heyman discovered she carried a gene mutation that increased her risk of cancer she didn’t feel devastated — she felt empowered. Genetic testing and counselling at BC Cancer enabled her to step out from the shadowy past of a family history of disease and into a bright future armed with the knowledge of preventive action.

“I’m just so grateful,” says the 40-year-old health care worker from Vernon who first learned of the BRCA1 gene mutation in her family 20 years ago from an aunt who faced breast and ovarian cancer.

The average woman in B.C. has a 12% risk of breast cancer and a 2% risk of ovarian cancer. For BRCA mutation carriers these statistics soar to a 70% chance of developing breast cancer by age 70, and a 50% chance of developing ovarian cancer.

After testing positive five years ago, Valerie planned for a double mastectomy and oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries). Until then, she was being monitored closely. When a test showed early cancer cells in her left breast, a mastectomy in March 2024 caught it just in time.

“I’ve had this great weight lifted off my shoulders. I have a dramatically reduced risk of cancer going forward,” — which will be minimized even further after a surgery this year to remove her ovaries.

When Valerie unexpectedly lost her dad in a car accident, it prompted her to look at her own legacy. She’s chosen to leave a portion of her assets in her will to the BC Cancer Foundation in support of BC Cancer’s Hereditary Cancer Program.

“I want to help ensure they reach more people and develop new ways to support those at risk of hereditary cancers. I want others to have the same chance I did.”