Three sisters whose lives have been affected by breast cancer as a result of a genetic mutation common in Ashkenazi women are campaigning to raise awareness of the gene.
Glasgow-based Sue Faber, 44, and her sisters Elaine Mishkin, 43, and Karen Rosen, 37 — whose mother Lorna Klineberg died from breast cancer aged just 47 in 1986 — all chose to undergo mastectomies and reconstructive surgery in 2006.
Mrs Faber and Mrs Mishkin, who lives in Mexico, tested positive for the BRCA1 mutation, meaning that they had an 85 per cent chance of developing the cancer. Mrs Rosen, based in the US, was diagnosed with stage-two breast cancer.
Three sisters, one goal: Elaine, Karen and Sue will hike in Scotland
Currently clear of the disease, the sisters, who all have children, are planning to hike 95 miles up the West Highland Way in Scotland as part of their “A Step Ahead” campaign. Mother-of-two Mrs Faber, a member of Newton Mearns Synagogue, said: “Our message to other women is that you must be even more breast-aware. People are frightened to be tested for the gene and this worries me. You can go through it and be fit and healthy at the end of it.
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