Anna Merriss’s family is not one to shy away from a problem. With a strong history of gynecological cancers, her mother made the decision to undergo genetic testing to find out if she was, in fact, at an increased risk. That single choice led to life-saving repercussions for her daughter.

A BRCA diagnosis at age 34

In 2019, Merriss’s mother visited Stamford Health for genetic counseling to learn whether she was a carrier of any inherited genetic mutations that put her at greater risk of cancer. Many women in her family had a history of gynecological cancers, primarily ovarian, and she wanted to get ahead of any potential issues. When her test came back positive for BRCA1, one of the two main types, Merriss made an appointment for herself.

“Unfortunately it was not the news I wanted to receive,” she said of the results that revealed she also has BRCA1 mutation. “It puts me at a high risk of a number of cancers, including ovarian and breast cancer.”

Alongside her Stamford Health OB-GYN, Dr. Elisabeth Aronow, they created a screening schedule of alternating mammograms and breast MRIs every six months. “I was just 34 years old at the time, so obviously I was younger than the recommended screening age of 40,” she said.

After a year or so of routine screening, Merriss became pregnant with her first child. By the following fall when her son was about three months old, she scheduled a breast MRI.

“I remember very clearly that I had a Friday evening appointment at the Tully Health Center. I had been at work and it was just the longest day of not being able to see my baby,” Merriss recalled. “That, plus the fact that I knew that I had an increased risk of breast cancer, made me incredibly nervous before the test.”

However, when she entered Tully, she didn’t have to go through the experience alone. As part of Stamford Health’s commitment to compassionate patient care and support, Merriss had a dedicated care navigator for each step of her screening. “They meet you in the waiting room and walk you to the prep room where they explain each part of the test,” she said. “And then they stay with you the entire time. I can’t imagine how much more nervous I would’ve been if I had to wait all alone.”

During the test, the team continued to make Merriss’s experience as calm as possible. “They put music on and put a warm blanket around me. They basically did anything they could to make me comfortable,” she said.

The following week, the office called with the news that they found two suspicious spots on her right breast. Merriss would need a biopsy, which was scheduled within a few days’ time, to determine whether they were cancerous.

Discovering cancer at its earliest stage

A few days later, the radiologist called to confirm that the spots were cancerous. Merriss had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). While she was in shock initially, the team at Stamford Health was quickly putting a plan of care into action. Shortly after hanging up, the radiology navigator called to set up her initial appointment with Dr. Sarah Cate, chief of breast surgery at Stamford Health.

The following morning, Merriss began her cancer journey. With her husband, she went into the meeting terrified. “I remember crying in the office. I couldn’t contain myself,” she said.

During her meeting with Dr. Cate, her fear subsided as she learned what the biopsy results meant and what the path forward looked like. “I was classified as stage 0, which means we caught it very early,” Merriss said. Dr. Cate explained her options for surgery and possible treatment after surgery, and they all determined that Merriss would undergo a bilateral mastectomy. At the age of 36, she would lose both of her breasts.

Of all of the medical information and questions that arose, Merriss focused on her young son at home and the effect her diagnosis and treatment would have on him. “I remember thinking I have a 3-and-a-half-month-old at home, and I can’t leave him. I wasn’t worried about the surgery or treatment; I just wanted to know whether I could be there for him,” she remembered.

Where Merriss was a “bundle of nerves,” Dr. Cate remained calm and caring. “I remember she spoke so softly and just had a gentle approach as my husband and I came to terms with the uncertainty ahead,” she said.

Because she was planning a double mastectomy, Merriss and her husband met with, Dr. Jordan Jacobs, a plastic surgeon, to discuss the direct-to-implant reconstruction. The immediate reconstruction meant she would avoid another surgery, but it meant longer recovery time. “He had a very compassionate approach and put me at ease,” she said.

On the day of surgery, Merriss squeezed in one last hug with her son before leaving for the hospital with her husband. “I wasn’t going to be able to pick him up for four to six weeks, so that was a hard pill to swallow,” she said.

Dr. Cate emphasized the importance of stories like Anna’s, and for people to understand their family health history. “Anna’s story highlights how she was able to undergo screening at a younger age due to her family history and genetic testing results,” said Dr. Cate. “I strongly encourage women and men with a family history of cancer to get tested. Patients can pursue genetic testing as young as 25. Knowledge is power,” Dr. Cate stressed.

Stamford Health’s Comprehensive Center for BRCA & Genetic Health comprehensively manages men and women with a genetic predisposition to cancer by coordinating care with subspecialities and creating an individualized care plan for each patient.