Courtesy Photo Sue McKay, diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, has undergone treatment and now lives a healthy life in Johannesburg. She was born in Alpena.

ALPENA — When Sue McKay went in for her routine mammogram in May 2023, she was being proactive about her health.

When the results came back, she learned she had invasive ductal carcinoma.

“They found a suspicious spot,” said McKay, now 69. “I went through all the steps, the biopsy and everything, and in June of 2023, I was diagnosed.”

Had she not gone in for that mammogram, she may not have known about the cancer until it was too late.

“After discussing family history, they suggested genetic testing,” said McKay, whose mother died from cancer that had metastasized throughout her body.

She tested positive for a genetic mutation called BRCA2, which can be a high-risk indicator for cancer.

“We discussed that in further depth, and I opted for a bilateral mastectomy,” McKay said.

She had the procedure done in September 2023, and now she is cancer-free. She also had her tubes and ovaries removed as a preventative measure.

“Under the umbrella of the BRCA2 gene, ovarian cancer is involved, prostate cancer for men, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma,” she explained. “So, from here forward, I was and will continue to be on the five-year plan for the colonoscopies, yearly pancreatic screenings, twice a year, the dermatology skin checks.”

She encourages those who may be at risk to get tested for the gene mutation.

“If someone has the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, but not breast cancer, having biyearly or yearly high-risk screening is very important,” McKay said.

She said she went to the University of Michigan Hospital for treatment, and that officials there gave her informational documents to disperse to family members to help them understand the importance of being tested for the gene mutation.

“My children and my siblings, for sure, would have a 50-50 chance of being carriers of the BRCA mutation,” McKay said. “It’s a gene that everyone carries, but, when it mutates, it stops doing its job at fighting off cancer.”

About one in 400, or 0.25%, of the general population may have a mutated BRCA gene, McKay said.

“If you are positive for BRCA, you are 45% to 85% at risk for getting breast cancer,” McKay said.

She said two of her children were tested and came back negative for the BRCA mutation, and the third child has yet to be tested. Two of her four siblings tested positive for the mutation.

“My sisters, they both, actually, are doing preventative surgeries,” McKay said. “They’re both doing the bilateral mastectomies and tube and ovary removal.”

They will be taking the steps to continue preventative care and screenings, as well.

“Educate yourself,” McKay said. “Be proactive and your own advocate. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion.”

She described some of the challenges of being diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatment.

“I lost my appetite, but it’s so important to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet to keep up your immune system,” McKay said. “It’s a roller-coaster ride. I have a strong faith that got me through.”

She also said it’s important to talk about your situation with family, trusted friends, and those who have also been diagnosed with cancer.

“I have had wonderful support from family and friends,” she said. “A friend of mine in Alpena sent me some things from Friends Together, so I started going over there a year ago … I’m still going to the support groups, and that’s gotten me through, big time.”

She said it’s vital to stay positive and keep active after a cancer diagnosis.

“I kept up on my exercising and my walking,” McKay said.

For her, it was helpful to be open and honest about her cancer journey.

“I never kept anything hidden from anybody,” she said. “I talked about it … I think that was important for me to move forward.”

She said going through a cancer diagnosis changes you, but you learn as you go.

“When people look at me now and I’m very healthy, they say, ‘Oh good, you’re past that.’ I’ve learned a lot, that, once you have cancer, you’re not past it,” McKay said. “You just go on and live from there. It’s different. There’s not a day that goes by that you don’t think about it.”

She is glad she took that proactive step to get ahead of her cancer.

“Now, I’m cancer-free,” McKay said. “I’m doing fabulously well.”

Her one-year cancer-free anniversary was Oct. 4.

She said that, if anyone is putting off getting a mammogram, she strongly encourages them to get it done.

“I would beg them to please reconsider,” McKay said.