A MUM-OF-FOUR who underwent a double mastectomy after finding out she had a high chance of developing cancer is urging other women to take the plunge.

Helen Smith, of Ormond Gardens, Leigh, made the decision to get tested for the faulty BRCA1 gene mutation after her mother, sister and two of her cousins all developed breast cancer in their 40s.

It creates a greater risk of developing cancer because the cells’ ability to repair DNA damage - which can cause a cell to become cancerous - may be impaired.

It is often referred to as the ‘Angelina Jolie gene’ as the Hollywood star had a double mastectomy - as well as removing her ovaries and fallopian tubes - after finding out she carried the BRCA1 gene.

Mrs Smith had an 85 per cent chance of developing cancer.

Despite her family history, she kept putting the test off until her sister’s consultant told her she was “dicing with death” at the age of 45.

She said: “I don’t know how I managed to drive through the tears streaming down my face - I was in total shock.

“Thought were rushing through my head at a million miles an hour and my whole life felt like it was in free fall.

During the coming months, Mrs Smith struggled to make a decision about what to do next.

She found support from the National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline, which was founded by Wendy Watson.

Mrs Smith, now 52-years-old, said: “My physical and mental state was at an all time low.

“I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t think straight and was all consumed by knowing that time was not on my side waiting for the operation and knowing that the big ‘c’ word could possibly be lurking around the corner.

“But Wendy gave me the hope that my life could go back to being ‘normal’ and her words empowered me to make difficult decisions that would be right for me.”

After undergoing more tests and psychiatric evaluations, Mrs Smith underwent a preventative mastectomy and reconstruction.

Now, seven years later, she is speaking out about her experience to urge others at risk to speak to their GP.

As well as campaigning for people with a family history of cancer to get tested, she wants to raise money for the charity which helped her during her own journey.

Mrs Smith plans to take part in a skydive to raise money on Sunday, October 16.

She said: “The helpline is so important. Just knowing there was someone else who could relate to how I was feeling was a breath of fresh air and knowing Wendy was only a phone call at any point of the day or night was a godsend.

“I know it can be daunting to get tested but it is important.”

A fundraising Winter Wonderland Ball will be held in aid of the charity at the Greenwoods Hotel and Spa, in Stock, on Saturday, November 19.

Tickets, costing £55 each, are available from breastcancergenetics.co.uk

Donate to Mrs Smith’s fundraising campaign at justgiving.com/helensskydivehboch