A PENINSULA resident with an inherited BRCA1 gene mutation is urging families to discuss their cancer history and consider genetic testing as part of Gynaecological Awareness Month.
Julie Gaspero discovered she carried the BRCA1 mutation after her father was diagnosed with prostate cancer and she began researching their family’s medical history.
Gaspero and her sister, Michelle, underwent genetic testing at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and found they both carried the mutation.
They were told they had an 80 per cent chance of developing breast cancer and a 40 per cent chance of developing ovarian cancer.
“I still remember it like it was yesterday, being told by a geneticist it wasn’t a matter of if I got cancer but when,” said Gaspero.
She and her sister underwent preventative double mastectomies around five years ago after Gaspero noticed changes in her breast tissue.
The surgery significantly reduced their risk of developing breast cancer, from 80 per cent to less than five.
The sisters now face decisions around their ovarian cancer risk.
“Now we both have a 40% chance of developing ovarian cancer,” said Gaspero.
“So, as you can imagine, a woman who’s in her 30s to be faced with that is quite daunting. There’s no screening as such for ovarian cancer, and it’s often found too late.”
They have been advised to consider having their ovaries removed at age 40, a procedure that will trigger early menopause.
Gaspero, who is now 38, said it is a difficult decision, but she and her sister are planning to go through with it.
“It’s hard because you face so many different things having this mutation, and then there are things like early menopause,” said Gaspero.
“But then there’s the other side where you think, well, if I don’t, there’s a day when I’m going to get cancer, and we’ve lost too many people in our lives already.”
Gaspero currently undergoes annual testing, including a pelvic ultrasound and blood test, as well as breast cancer screening at Peter MacCallum.
Gaspero said after undergoing preventative surgery, she felt a huge sense of relief.
“The day that we woke up, it was a huge weight lifted off our shoulders,” said Gaspero.
Gaspero and her sister have worked as outreach ambassadors for Inherited Cancers Australia, an organisation focused on raising awareness and providing support for families at risk of inherited cancers.
Gaspero said she wants to share her story to encourage others to look into their family medical history and speak to doctors about their cancer risk.
She said people, particularly mums, tend to put their health on the back burner.
“It’s just about being aware of your body and the changes that you can go through, and don’t ignore it,” said Gaspero.
“It’s about empowering families to have that discussion and to be proactive and advocate for themselves.”
September is Gynaecological Awareness Month, with the Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation encouraging everyone, not just women, to learn more about gynaecological cancer.
You can find out more information about signs and symptoms, where to get support, and how to donate at: agcf.org.au/gynaecological-cancer-awareness-month.
First published in the Mornington News – 22 September 2026
