"That genetic test saved my life."

[5 min read]

In this article:

• Shavonne Tate's decision to spend $250 on a genetic test saved her life.
• A mutation in Tate's Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated, or ATM, gene put her at higher risk for several cancers, including breast cancer. 
• Because of her high-risk status, Tate underwent early screening for breast cancer that revealed invasive duct carcinoma.
• The generosity of donors to the Swedish Foundation supports the work that saved Tate's life and makes available advanced genetic testing and the highest levels of expert care for patients with cancer from around the world.    

 Call it luck, timing, intuition, or even kismet. Shavonne Tate just knows that a seemingly simple decision she made in 2020 helped save her life.  

It started with a routine visit to her dermatologist. Tate, a software quality engineer, had a persistent skin condition that seemed to affect multiple people in her family. Her dermatologist recommended a genetic test, noting that it might help them identify a cause. 

“It’s not anything that I ever thought about getting or had any discussions about,” says Tate, who was 36 at the time. “The test wasn’t covered by insurance and was going to cost $250 out of pocket, but I thought it might be worth it.” 

Through the test, Tate learned she had a mutation in her Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) gene, meaning she was at an increased risk for certain types of cancer, including breast cancer. Everything clicked: Tate’s mother, father, maternal and paternal aunts, paternal uncles, and grandparents had all previously been diagnosed with cancer.

A genetic counselor advised Tate to start breast cancer screenings at 40 — which, at the time, was five years sooner than the recommended screening age for the disease. But three years later, in 2023, about half a year before her 40th birthday, Tate began experiencing minor breast pain. 

“My doctor didn’t feel a lump during a manual exam, but she said to me, ‘I don’t think you should wait,’” Tate recalls. “She wrote the order for an MRI right in front of my face.” 

In October 2023, Tate underwent magnetic resonance imaging screening, followed by biopsies on both breasts. A week later, Tate found out she had invasive ductal carcinoma, a type of cancer that originates in the milk ducts.  

“That genetic test saved my life,” Tate says. “I had an aggressive cancer, so who knew if waiting an additional six months to get screened would have made a difference in being stage 1 or 2.” 

Marianne Dubard-Gault, M.D., M.S., medical director of cancer genetics and high-risk services at Providence Swedish Cancer Institute, says making genetic testing more widely accessible — through both patient awareness, financial assistance, and training for physicians — is an important first step in early cancer detection work.  

“We have drugs that are specifically targeted for people who are at an increased risk of breast or ovarian cancer because of their breast cancer gene mutation,” Dr. Dubard-Gault says. “Researchers are studying these drugs to see if we can use them in a window of opportunity, and this can prevent cancer from developing altogether.”  

For Tate, the early diagnosis and knowledge about her gene mutation were empowering. Her oncology team at Providence Swedish Cancer Institute had a treatment plan ready: 12 rounds of chemotherapy, a lumpectomy, and, eventually, a bilateral mastectomy.  

“That genetic test saved my life. I had an aggressive cancer, so who knew if waiting an additional six months to get screened would have made a difference in being stage 1 or 2.” 

During her treatment, Tate took full advantage of Providence Swedish’s supportive care services — from acupuncture to massage to music therapy — some of which are free to all patients with cancer due to philanthropic support. Her healing journey also led her to a new purpose: helping others just like her.

“I said to myself that I am going to make my mess my mission, because I am so fortunate for a lot of reasons,” Tate says. 

 She organized a monthlong event at her gym, raising funds for Swedish Foundation and spreading awareness about the importance of genetic testing, especially within marginalized communities and those who might not be able to afford the out-of-pocket costs. Her efforts raised over $2,000, with plans to continue fundraising for genetic testing at Providence Swedish in the years to come.  

“People shouldn’t have to choose between putting food on the table and getting a test that could save their life,” Tate says. “I don’t have Oprah money, but every little bit helps. If all of us on a grassroots community level did what we could, we’d be better off.” 

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About the Author

The Swedish Cancer Team is committed to bringing you the most up-to-date insights about treatments, prevention, care and support available. We know cancer diagnoses strain you both mentally and physically, and we hope to provide a small piece of hope to you or your loved ones who are fighting the cancer battle with useful and clinically-backed advice.

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