MEDIA CONTACT: corey.schubert@bannerhealth.com

A recent UCLA study found that 80 percent of women who should be tested for BRCA are not – either because no one talked to them about the test’s significance, or because they didn’t want to know.

This is a topic of deep personal and professional interest to Dr. Debra Adornetto Garcia, chief nursing officer at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert. She speaks from experience, because the lifelong cancer nurse is also a two-time cancer survivor.

Debra was diagnosed with breast cancer at 39, and the following year she learned she had melanoma. She sought genetic testing after the unexpected miracle of having a child. The birth of her daughter, and guidance from a trusted female oncologist, convinced her to undergo genetic testing. Debra learned she is BRCA2 positive and now diligently speaks about why others should be tested.

She has since had her ovaries removed, and is actively considering a double mastectomy. Debra rotates having breast ultrasounds and MRIs every six months, and colonoscopies every six months. Her 11-year-old daughter will be tested when she turns 18.

Debra struggles with the fact that several of her family members have elected not to be tested, especially since she helps patients battle the disease every day at the cancer center where she works in Arizona.

She's available for live or taped interviews.