October is widely known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when stories of courage, prevention, and support come to the forefront. One story emerging from southeast Alberta stands out for its honesty and determination. A 20-year-old filmmaker, Myka Obrigewitch, has turned her personal journey with the BRCA1 gene mutation into a powerful breast cancer awareness documentary titled “Boob Jobs Save Lives.” In sharing her experience with hereditary breast cancer risk and preventative surgery, she is creating space for other young women to navigate similar decisions with more information and compassion.

Obrigewitch grew up near Seven Persons in southeast Alberta and pursued film studies at SAIT. Her story began to shift direction when she learned that two of her sisters, her mother, and her aunt had all tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation. Her mother and aunt are both breast cancer survivors, which meant that breast cancer was not an abstract concept in her family. It was present in their history and in their everyday conversations about health, risk, and the future.

With this strong family history, Obrigewitch decided to undergo genetic testing herself. The process took about a year, and as she neared the end of her film studies she received the result. At just 19 years old, she learned that she too carried the BRCA1 mutation. For many people, a positive test for a hereditary cancer risk introduces both clarity and confusion. The information can provide answers, but it also raises difficult questions about how to respond, what to prioritize, and how to prepare emotionally and physically for what might come next.

Obrigewitch understood that her result significantly increased her lifetime risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers, although it did not guarantee a diagnosis. There are a range of preventative and screening options for people with BRCA1, and decisions often depend on medical guidance, personal values, and individual circumstances. Because she had seen family members confront breast cancer up close, she was already familiar with some of those choices. Yet, instead of focusing only on her own path, she began thinking about others.

What weighed heavily on her mind was the experience of young women receiving this kind of news without a roadmap. She spoke about not being able to stop thinking of those facing a BRCA1 diagnosis for the first time, unsure of where to turn or what questions to ask. The idea of confronting a preventative surgery decision at a young age can feel daunting, both practically and emotionally. Obrigewitch recognized that reality and wanted to do something to help.

She chose to undergo a preventative double mastectomy with breast reconstruction. Because cancer had not yet developed, she did not require chemotherapy or radiation. Even so, the process was far from simple. The reconstruction took about six months and involved the use of tissue expanders before implants could be placed. She has spoken about how the surgery and recovery affected her body image, her mobility, and her physical strength. At the same time, she has expressed gratitude that she had the option to take proactive steps and reduce her risk in a way that felt right for her.

Out of this deeply personal journey came the foundation for “Boob Jobs Save Lives.” What began as a set of short films gradually evolved into a feature-length documentary focused on hereditary breast cancer risk, preventative mastectomy, and support for individuals and families. The first short film emerged from a collaboration with the Canadian Breast Cancer Network, which invited Obrigewitch to share what it was like to be a young woman navigating preventative surgery in the context of BRCA1.

Once that first video was released, viewers responded strongly. They asked for more: more details, more stories, more recognition of the emotional layers that come with navigating a genetic mutation and preventative choices. Their questions and encouragement led Obrigewitch to create a second short film, about seven minutes long. With a crew of approximately 30 people and around $700 in sponsorship funding, the project grew in scope and skill. That short film went on to be selected for several festivals, a sign that the subject and the storytelling resonated beyond her immediate community.

The growing attention eventually reached Medicine Hat’s Monarch Theatre, which approached Obrigewitch about hosting a local event. Rather than simply re-screening the earlier shorts, she decided to create something fuller. On September 10, she filmed a feature-length documentary that brings together the original short pieces as an anthology, connected by interviews with five breast cancer survivors.

In the feature, viewers encounter a woven narrative that reflects different stages and perspectives of hereditary breast cancer and BRCA1. The film highlights the voices of women who have faced diagnosis, treatment, or preventative surgery. It also explores how family members and loved ones can support someone going through this process. That includes acknowledging the physical realities of major surgery and recovery, along with the emotional complexities such as fear, grief, relief, and hope.

Obrigewitch’s documentary is scheduled to be screened at the Monarch Theatre in Medicine Hat on Tuesday, October 20. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the film starting at 7:30 p.m. The screening is free to attend, although organizers suggest a $5 donation at the door. All donations will go directly to the Canadian Breast Cancer Network, reinforcing the project’s connection to broader advocacy and support efforts. Organizers are also planning a pink carpet experience, giving attendees a chance to take photographs and mark the occasion in a celebratory, community-focused way.

The context of Breast Cancer Awareness Month gives the event added resonance. The Canadian Cancer Society reports that one in eight women in Canada will learn they have breast cancer in their lifetime. For many, that statistic is no longer just a number. It reflects friends, parents, siblings, colleagues, and neighbours. Films like “Boob Jobs Save Lives” help translate statistics into human stories, illustrating how individuals cope with risk, make preventative decisions, and support one another through uncertainty.

Obrigewitch has spoken about feeling grateful for the chance to showcase this work in her home region while also providing information and solidarity. Her goal is not only to raise awareness about BRCA1 and preventative mastectomy, but also to reassure young women that they are not alone when facing a potentially life-changing diagnosis. By sharing her story and inviting others to share theirs, she is offering a form of guidance that blends practical insight with empathy.

The documentary also contributes to a wider conversation about how families, partners, and communities can respond when someone they love carries a hereditary cancer risk. It encourages people to listen, learn, and recognize the physical and emotional recovery that follows a major surgery. In this sense, “Boob Jobs Save Lives” is about more than one young filmmaker’s experience. It is about creating a collective space where difficult health decisions are met with understanding, resources, and meaningful support.

In turning her own BRCA1 journey into a feature-length film, Obrigewitch is transforming fear and uncertainty into knowledge and connection. For those living with hereditary breast cancer risk, and for the people who care about them, her work offers both information and a reminder that community can be a powerful part of prevention and healing. Read more at https://chatnewstoday.ca/2026/10/20/southeast-alberta-filmmaker-turns-brca1-experience-into-breast-cancer-awareness-documentary/