MEET OUR MUSE - LILLY CHUGG
ghd 2024 pink collection
Meet Lilly Chugg, a 22-year-old Fashion & Lifestyle Influencer from Newcastle, and our Pink Muse for 2024. To say that the ghd ANZ community regard Lilly as an inspiration is an understatement. Each and every year, we are deeply touched by the bravery of our muses who are living with, or beyond breast cancer. We are so grateful to gave got the opportunity to sit down with Lilly to talk about her experience with the BRCA1 gene.
ghd: We understand that you have a family history with the BRCA gene Lilly, was this the catalyst for you deciding to get tested?
Lilly: That’s right. My mum had been contacted by a family member informing her that her first cousin had passed away from breast cancer and made my mum aware that she was eligible for this test. She then got tested, and found out she was positive for BRCA1, prompting her to have the surgery. Alarmed, when my older sister was 22, she decided to get the test as well. She was confirmed with BRCA1 and decided to go through with this surgery. This then compelled me get tested at 20, which is when I found out I was also positive for the BRCA1 gene; I then had the surgery just after my 21st birthday.
ghd: When you got that news, what was the process of getting tested like?
Lilly: Because my mum and sister both had the gene, I was automatically eligible to get tested. I had 2 blood tests, and it took about 8 weeks to get my results – which felt like an eternity! Once my results were in, I went to hunter genetics with my family and my partner for support. That is when the team informed me that I too have the BRCA1 gene, and it was time to think about next steps.
ghd: That would have been so overwhelming to hear, how did you feel once you received your results?
Lilly: Completely shocked! I think I had convinced myself I would have a negative result and would be fine. We thought I wouldn't have the gene as I look so much like my dad, but it turns out it has nothing to do with who you look more alike.
ghd: With this news, what was your experience with deciding to have a double mastectomy?
Lilly: It was a no-brainer for me to go ahead with the preventative surgery. Having seen my mum and sister go through with it, they really inspired me to take that next step. I am a huge overthinker, and know that if I hadn’t got the surgery, I would have spent every waking moment worried that something might ‘pop-up’ that I could’ve prevented.
ghd: What was the recovery process post-surgery, both mentally and physically?
Lilly: I guess you truly don't know how you’ll react until it happens to you. Mentally I did struggle – particularly with being bed-bound for so long, when I’m usually so active day-to-day. Being in my bed meant that I was alone with my thoughts, and I kept thinking about the fact that I would not be able to breast feed in the future as a result of the surgery. Being so young, this isn’t something I had thought about … until I realised I wouldn’t be able to in any capacity in the future.
ghd: With all that you’ve been through, what is your one piece of advice when it comes to prevention of breast cancer?
Lilly: If you have a strong family history of breast cancer, make sure you go to your GP and ask to get this BRCA test. So many people told me they had no idea what BRCA1 or BRCA2 was – and I was the same … right up until my family members went through it. I never knew you could actually prevent breast cancer, I always had the mentality that if you get it, it's too late to do anything about it. However if the surgery isn't for you, you can get yearly check-ups with your doctor.
ghd: We are so grateful to feature your story as part of our Pink Campaign. What does being a part of the ghd Pink Campaign mean to you?
Lilly: I feel so blessed to be a part of the ghd pink campaign. Seeing brands support breast cancer means the world to me and I know it would mean the world so many others affected by breast cancer. I feel very grateful that ghd have given me the opportunity to speak my story and share to a wider audience.
ghd: It has been so inspiring to hear from you Lilly, before wrapping up – is there anything else you'd like to share about your story or this cause?
Lilly: Thank you so much for having me! I’d just like to add that going through this process meant speaking to a lot of surgeons – and as part of this, I was told multiple times to 'wait' and that I have 'plenty of time' before considering to get this surgery. After sharing my story on social media, I have also had multiple young girls tell me that they’ve also heard this from surgeons. The one piece of advice I have is that if you are serious in your decision, don't let anyone try and persuade you into doing something that you don't want to do. Be firm in your decision, because at the end of the day it's your body, your choice.