When I started working, I bought a cancer insurance policy so I would be prepared. Then, my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 37. Now, I knew. I would have breast cancer at age 37 or 38. I started regular mammograms. I continued breast self- examination (BSE). I obsessed about the subject, reading everything I could find.

Finally, my "vulnerable time" came. I checked my breasts almost daily! I tried to forget about it, but that was impossible. I can't tell you how relieved I was the year I turned 39 and had not developed breast cancer. I relaxed, but I continued BSE and mammograms.

The summer I was 43, I had my regular mammogram in August. It was clear. In December, I felt a lump. I was sure it was nothing, and I convinced myself I needed to "watch" it since the doctor would ask me if it changed with my cycle. I watched it for two and a half months.

Finally, I went to the doctor. He sent me immediately for another mammogram. This one showed a suspicious area. The doctor and radiologist were guardedly optimistic, but I knew it was cancer. I called my sister for support.

I had a biopsy performed. When the results came back showing that I did, in fact, have breast cancer, I got angry. This was supposed to have happened to me earlier. I was supposed to be over it by now!

I started investigating the family cancer history, and with the help of a cancer risk counselor, developed a family cancer pedigree. Imagine my surprise when I found my mother's second case of breast cancer was diagnosed when she was 43. Then I found my aunt's ovarian cancer was diagnosed when she was 43! It almost seemed too much.

We joined a genetics study. Results came in very slowly because the responsible genes had not yet been identified. Finally, we were identified as a BRCA1 family.

In the meantime, though, my sister Barbara was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50.

I wish my story had a totally happy ending, but unfortunately, it does not. Barbara died about 18 months after her diagnosis. It seemed her cancer was particularly aggressive.

Our mother continues to be well, and my other sister Rosemary, who was diagnosed with a new cancer shortly after Barbara's diagnosis, is also doing well.

I have been in contact with each of my nieces and nephews, giving them information about our defective gene. I have even found a niece whom none of us ever met!

I am near my five-year "anniversary" date. I am a high school teacher, and anytime I have an opportunity, I get on my soap box with my students. Everyone needs to learn their family medical history - whether it's cancer, heart disease, diabetes, or whatever. And we must all remember, when it comes to our health, there is no such thing as a "safe age."

• Breast Cancer Resource Center