Former Miss USA contestant made a life-changing decision at 26 after cancer devastated family

At age 26, Allyn Rose made a life-changing decision after cancer had devastated her family.

The model, who competed in both the Miss America and Miss USA pageants, underwent a preventive double mastectomy, a decision she said even sparked "hate mail" from critics. Today, the mother of two is the founder of The Previvor, a nonprofit organization that educates women about breast cancer risk and prevention options. Oct. 31 marks the last day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

"I know a...