Michelle Heaton has opened up about her decision to undergo cancer-preventative surgery.
The singer had both of her breasts, ovaries, cervix and Fallopian tubes removed after discovering that she had the BRCA2 gene.
Despite the procedures and the fact that it brought on early menopause, she said that it was the best decision she ever made.
She explained to the
Loose Women panel: "Absolutely, definitely… It had to be the decision that I made."
Michelle's father also carried the gene. His mother and grandmother both developed breast and ovarian cancer at a very young age.
It was this history that alerted the 36-year-old to the fact that she and her four-year-old daughter could also have the gene.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwzdWPhnfSc
Video via YouTube/Loose Women
She explained that little Faith is starting to pick up on her mum's experience because members of the public approach her when she’s out and about.
"She's starting to get that something's happened… And it kind of hurts me because I don't know how that's going to affect her growing up, because then she'll suddenly realise that she could have it."
Michelle also talked through some of the symptoms that women should look out for including persistent bloating; eating less but feeling fuller; and abdominal pain.
If you want more information or have any questions about this, we would advise that you consult your doctor. You can also visit the Irish Cancer Society website here. 
