Kim Horner, journalist and author of Probably Someday Cancer

Probably Someday Cancer

Book cover of Probably Someday Cancer

What do you do with a diagnosis that you probably will get cancer someday?

It could be months. It could be years. Or never.

Probably Someday Cancer is about the agonizing decisions I made after discovering I had a very high risk of getting breast and ovarian cancer due to a BRCA2 mutation. My options were close screenings to try to catch cancer early. Or a double mastectomy and having my ovaries removed to dramatically reduce my risk. At 41, I was the same age my grandmother was when she died of breast cancer. My son was in diapers at the time and the thought of anything happening to me was terrifying.

But how do you decide whether to have a surgery to remove your breasts to reduce your risk for a disease you don't have and may never get? Based on extensive research, interviews, and personal experience, Probably Someday Cancer shares my experiences with surveillance then choosing a double mastectomy—the same decision actress Angelina Jolie made for a similar genetic mutation—and the surprising diagnosis that followed.

I hope this book will help others facing hereditary risk of breast and ovarian cancer feel less alone, make informed decisions to protect their health and end the devastation that hereditary cancer has caused for generations in so many families.

Photo of Kim Horner

Kim Horner

kimhorner07@gmail.com

Kim Horner worked as a journalist for over 21 years, including 13 years at The Dallas Morning News, where she focused on issues including homelessness, housing, mental health and child welfare. She also has used her skills to help advance educational insitutions and nonprofits such as FORCE.

She has bachelors degrees in English and journalism from The University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Arts in Humanities/Literature from The University of Texas at Dallas, and a Master of Fine Arts from The University of Arkansas at Monticello.