Share Your Story: Krystal Barter

<p>Cancer has plagued Krystal Barter’s family for generations: her Mum at 36, her Nan at 44, and her great-grandma at 68. In her twenties, Krystal discovered this was not by chance, but that she was the carrier of a genetic mutation, BRCA1. At the age of 25, she surgically removed her breasts and she became a preventative cancer advocate launching Pink Hope.</p> <ul><li>01:10: Why don't you take us back to the beginning of your cancer journey?</li><li>03:25: The only two survivors in my family are myself and my mom.</li><li>05:39: I don't ever think I ever really got my mom back.</li><li>07:20: How did it affect your relationship with your mother?</li><li>09:24: How much are they aware of this family history from a young age?</li><li>11:05: When did you get tested? Why was that the right time? And what did you do?</li><li>13:50: The geneticist said Krystal you're positive, but your outcome will be completely different.</li><li>17:14: I went for a mammogram every year and an ultrasound.</li><li>18:58: I decided that I was going to try and help others get access to genetic testing.</li><li>20:58: I've had lots more surgeries that pale in comparison to the mastectomy.</li><li>23:18: I shared my story on <i>60 Minutes</i>.</li><li>27:20: I found it hard to get the support I needed.</li><li>29:13: It was hard being in high school and hating my breasts in my own body.</li><li>29:40: What was your worst moment?</li><li>31:14: I had to have everything removed, obviously [a] hysterectomy.</li><li>35:18: What is one thing that you would do to improve the health care system in Australia?</li><li>39:23: We have lobbied for change for BRCA gene testing.</li><li>42:05: The health care system is broken and that's being kind.</li><li>42:53: Thriver Rapid Fire Questions</li><li>44:30: Aside from Cancer U, what is one resource that you would recommend for cancer patients and caregivers?</li></ul> <p>Resources</p> <ul><li><a href="https://pinkhope.org.au/" target="_blank">Pink Hope</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram