Tennis Legend: My Sister’s Death from Cancer “Saved my Life”

Tennis pros Chris and Jeanne Evert were as close as sisters can be. Growing up as part of a famous tennis family in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the sisters traveled the world competing in the sport’s most prestigious events. Chris ascended to the top of the tennis world in the 1980s, winning 157 titles and 18 grand slam events. Jeanne never matched her older sister’s achievements but was the No. 1-ranked junior at one point and retired playing to become a respected coach.

Jeanne Evert passed away from ovarian cancer in 2020 at the age of 62. Jeanne’s death permanently bound the two sisters together in a way Chris Evert could never imagine. 

Chris Evert said in a recent interview in which she opened up about her own battle with cancer and how her sister’s genetic test led to her diagnosis. The Everts case also underscores the importance of genetic counseling and testing, especially when a relative is diagnosed with cancer, such as breast or ovarian, that may be linked to inherited mutations.

Tennis legend Chris Evert opens up about her battle with cancer and how her sister’s genetic test led to her diagnosis.

To read more about BRCA mutations, genetic testing and ovarian cancer from Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

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