With the upcoming release of my book, Previvors, I know that I, let alone the women featured in the book, will likely receive some criticism (something all book authors have to brace themselves for, I guess.) And I know that while most people will applaud previvors for taking steps to defy their fate, others will wholeheartedly attack them. Women who choose to have prophylactic mastectomies for instance, often hear that their decision is “radical” and that they are “mutilating their bodies” or suffering severe cases of hypochondria. One person on a message board said that removing healthy breasts is “a slap in the face to women who actually have breast cancer.”

As a journalist, I remain as objective as possible when covering various topics. And the same goes for my book. Of course, I have my own personal opinions about the multiple options available to previvors. and I could only imagine what I would do should I ever find out that I’m at a high risk for a particular disease (something that will likely happen down the road, considering how rapidly genetics is advancing.) However, one point I will always argue is that these decisions are personal. I’m not saying that prophylactic mastectomy is unequivocally the way to go, or that increased surveillance does more than enough to protect a woman at risk. But who’s to tell a woman who has watched her mother and grandmother suffer to the end with breast cancer that she’s acting irrationally when deciding to remove her own breasts. Who’s to tell a woman that her breasts are worth more than her peace of mind? And who’s to tell a woman with a strong family history that she’s crazy for not having the surgery? I don’t think any of us are.

My hope is that people will read Previvors to learn about all of their options and hear the stories of women who have already faced their risk. But by no means would I ever tell someone which course of action is right for him or her. The key is to gather as much information as you possibly can, and talk to your doctors, your loved ones, and previvors who have been through it all. And then, in the end, make the decision that is best for you.