BRCA1-Positive Runner to Undergo Preventive Surgery
A 25-year-old New Yorker will run the NYC Marathon days before her planned preventive bilateral mastectomy.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Running
Williamsburg resident Jessica Reilly is set to run the TCS New York City Marathon on November 1, 2026. Just two days after the race, the 25-year-old will undergo a bilateral mastectomy due to her BRCA1 gene mutation.
Why it matters
For individuals carrying the BRCA1 mutation, choosing between intensive surveillance and preventive surgery is a significant health decision. Reilly chose the surgical path to manage her increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer after seeing her parents' experiences.
Clinical standards for BRCA1 carriers typically involve breast MRIs starting at age 25 and mammograms beginning at age 30. It remains unknown how individual surgical recovery timelines may vary for patients opting for bilateral mastectomies.
The players
Jessica Reilly
A 25-year-old Williamsburg resident who carries the BRCA1 mutation.
Dr. Elisa Port
Chief breast surgeon at Mount Sinai, a medical system providing advanced cancer care and surgical oncology.
The details
The BRCA1 mutation impairs the body's ability to repair DNA, significantly elevating lifetime risks for breast and ovarian cancers. Reilly opted for a preventive bilateral mastectomy, a surgical procedure that removes breast tissue to minimize cancer development. She is expected to undergo reconstructive surgery in the future to complete her treatment plan under the care of Dr. Elisa Port at Mount Sinai.
Timeline
The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon takes place on Sunday, November 1.
Jessica Reilly undergoes a bilateral mastectomy on Tuesday, November 3.
Health Landscape
Genetic testing has transformed how individuals manage inherited cancer risks compared to historical approaches that relied solely on family history. Many younger patients are now choosing preventive surgical interventions over the long-term surveillance protocols established by current oncology standards.
If you have a family history of cancer, discussing genetic testing with your primary care provider is the first step toward understanding your risk profile. Individuals carrying the BRCA1 mutation should talk to a specialist about whether surveillance or preventive surgery is appropriate for them.
The takeaway
Proactive management of hereditary cancer risk is a highly personal process that requires balancing screening with surgical prevention. Always consult with a genetic counselor or breast surgeon to understand the implications of your specific mutation and long-term treatment options.
What happens next
Jessica Reilly will undergo a bilateral mastectomy on November 3, 2026, followed by future reconstructive surgery.
Further reading
Learn more about local events and community health in Running.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC7 New York.
