I am 45 years old and was recently found to be carrying the BRCA2 cancer gene. My Mother died from pancreatic cancer 9 years ago when she was 57 (she also had breast cancer). I am in the process of breast and ovarian screening (possibly also pancreatic screening) and am considering mastectomy and ooferectomy to reduce my risks. I am finding the decision making very difficult and would love to hear from anyone who has had risk reducing surgery and can share their thoughts with me. At the moment I am fairly sure that I will opt for mastectomy and reconstruction with implants. I don't think I will opt for removal of the ovaries just yet as I am worried about how bad I will feel going into early menopause. I have read that the contraceptive pill can be used to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.