Miss Universe contestant Briana Demaio raising awareness of breast cancer genetic testing after own diagnosis

For most women, being told they have a cancer causing gene mutation would be frightening, but for Miss Universe contestant Briana Demaio, the results have given her a new purpose. The Perth resident was told she carried the BRCA2 gene mutation in May this year, meaning she has a 72 per cent chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. It was a scary prognosis, but it prompted her to join the Miss Universe Australia competition in a bid to raise awareness about the importance of genetic testing and early detection of breast cancer. “I always knew I wanted to do Miss Universe but when I found out I had the BRCA2 gene earlier this year it sparked something more within me,” she said. “I definitely have more of a purpose and passion now to do it and use that platform for something that means so much to me. “I want to raise awareness not just on breast cancer but genetic testing, because I feel not as many people are aware of the process and how important it is for early detection.” The 23-year-old did the genetic testing after her aunty was diagnosed with breast cancer and it was found her mum carried the gene mutation. She said anyone with a family history of breast cancer should get the testing done as it could be life-saving. “I like to look at the positives of it and not be negative about it,” she said. “This means as soon as I hit 25 I get to do yearly testing, including MRIs and mammograms, so if I do get breast cancer then hopefully it will be detected early.” Ms Demaio is a Miss Universe Australia national finalist with the winner being announced at Crown Perth on August 15. If she wins, she hopes to use the platform to make others with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene feel at ease. “For other people going through the same thing as me I’d like them to know they’re not alone and I would just reassure them it’s not all negative. There is positives as it means you get check ups every year,” she said. “If anything was to happen you’re going to know early and everything will be OK.” Ms Demaio will also be walking 58km in August for the 58 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer each day, with the money going towards the National Breast Cancer Foundation.