In an interesting new development, a woman opted for breast removal over cancer. Having her breasts completely removed before she could be diagnosed with cancer was definitely a "no-brainer" for Nicola Coom, a Christchurch resident.

"I decided to have surgery the day I found out I was (BRCA) positive. I felt like if you didn't do something you are just sitting there waiting for it. It was a no-brainer", she said.

BRCA is a gene alteration which is predominantly cancer causing.

It was while Comm's aunt and mother's cousin were undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer when a nurse suggested that the entire family should go in for genetic testing. Coom's mother was tested as positive and her ovaries were removed.

During the operation, however, the surgeons found out that she already had cancer, which meant that her daughter had a good 50/50 chance of having inherited the cancer causing gene. Coom tested positive for mutation while her sister managed to remain clean.

That was when the 34 year old decided to gather all the information and go in for a removal operation before her mutation could turn into cancer, and this is a decision she does not regret.