Meet Dr. Simran Malhotra: BRCA1 Previvor, Physician, and Mother

Meet Dr. Simran Malhotra, a BRCA1 previvor from Maryland who is generously sharing her perspective on regaining confidence after a double mastectomy.

Dr. Simran is a triple board-certified physician specializing in palliative care and lifestyle medicine, a mother of two young children, and someone with a strong family history of cancer. After learning she carried the BRCA1 genetic mutation, she made the deeply personal decision to undergo a risk-reducing double mastectomy.

Through her own journey, Dr. Simran has become passionate about helping others navigate life after preventive surgery—especially the emotional and identity-shifting aspects that often go unspoken.

Dr. Simran’s 3 Tips for Regaining Confidence After a Double Mastectomy

Drawing from both her medical expertise and lived experience as a previvor, Dr. Simran shares three thoughtful tips to help rebuild confidence after a double mastectomy:

1. Reconnect with your body with compassion
   Healing takes time—physically and emotionally. Practicing self-kindness and allowing space to grieve changes can be an important step forward.
2. Focus on what your body has done for you
   Shifting the narrative from loss to protection can help reframe surgery as an act of strength and self-preservation.
3. Support your healing through lifestyle medicine
   Movement, nutrition, rest, and stress reduction can all positively impact quality of life, confidence, and long-term well-being.

Bridging Medicine, Prevention, and Empowerment

As a physician trained in lifestyle medicine, Dr. Simran believes that positive lifestyle changes—combined with informed medical care—can significantly influence quality of life and even longevity, particularly for those living with or at risk for serious illness.

By sharing her story and practical guidance, she hopes to remind others that confidence after mastectomy is not about “going back,” but about moving forward with intention, knowledge, and self-trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What does it mean to be a BRCA1 previvor?
A: A previvor carries a genetic mutation like BRCA1 and takes preventive steps before cancer develops.

Q2. Can confidence change after a double mastectomy?
A: Yes. Many people experience emotional and identity changes after surgery, and rebuilding confidence is a gradual process.

Q3. How can lifestyle medicine support recovery after mastectomy?
A: Lifestyle medicine focuses on movement, nutrition, sleep, and stress management to support overall healing and well-being.

Q4. Is it normal to struggle emotionally after preventive surgery?
A: Absolutely. Preventive surgery can bring relief and grief at the same time—both experiences are valid.

Q5. Where can I learn more about BRCA1 and preventive options?
A: Trusted, medically vetted resources like Learn Look Locate provide education and real-world stories to support informed decisions.