Davina Simons, a Belgian advocate, has shared that she underwent a preventive double mastectomy at age 22 after testing positive for the BRCA1 gene, a decision she said she looked forward to following her mother’s breast cancer journey.
Speaking in a December 2024 interview with Het Laatste Nieuws, Simons reflected on her choice, stating: “I chose that amputation because I saw what cancer did to my mom.” She added, “I looked forward to it. Weird, huh?”
The advocate, known for her vibrant style and outspoken presence on Belgian television programs like Terzake and De Tafel van Gert, emphasized her proactive approach to health after learning of her genetic risk at a young age.
Simons, who turned 30 in May 2025, has since grow a prominent voice in discussions about women’s health and genetic awareness, using her platform to advocate for early screenings and informed decisions regarding hereditary cancer risks.
Her story continues to resonate as she balances her legal career with public advocacy, highlighting the personal impact of genetic testing and preventive medicine in contemporary health conversations.