Angelina Jolie Effect

Actor/Director/Producer/wife of brad Pitt and Mother of 6 children, after going through a double mastectomy underwent another preventive surgery to remove her ovaries and Fallopian tubes. This bold moves of the actress has other women (who may have the same risk) thinking and follow her foot steps and be proactive.  Although the subject of Women’s Health may not be a trending subject for everyday Indian women, ailments such as Breast and Ovarian Cancer affect many South Asians so regular screening is important.

Jolie’s mother Marcheline Bertand died of ovarian cancer in 2007 at a very young age of 56. Jolie is carrying the same ‘BRCA1 gene mutation’ that her mother had which makes her vulnerable to have breast or ovarian cancer.

‘The mutation gives carriers an 87 percent risk of breast cancer’, Jolie wrote two years ago about undergoing a preventive double mastectomy – ‘and a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer’.

Most inherited cases of breast cancer are associated with two abnormal genes: BRCA1 (BReast CAncer gene 1) or BRCA2 (BReast CAncer gene 2). Women who inherit a mutation, or abnormal change, in either of these genes — from their mothers or their fathers — have a much higher-than-average lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

Jolie’s bold decision has open many women’s eyes. As most of the ovarian cancer cases start at Fallopian tube it’s wise to carefully consider your risk based on the percentage of chance you may have and be sure you make right decision.

Jolie explained that “I did not do this solely because I carry the BRCA1 gene mutation”, adding that a positive test “does not mean a leap to surgery” and urged women to “learn about the options and choose what is right for you personally”.

Genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 is not part of the standard checkup. Finding out whether you have an inherited gene abnormality requires a special test that uses a blood sample, not a tissue sample. If your doctor is concerned that you and your immediate relatives may have an inherited gene abnormality, he or she may recommend that you and other family members be tested.

According to the National Cancer Institute, women with an abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene have about a 60% risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetimes (compared to 12-13% for women overall). These women’s risk of ovarian cancer is also increased. Abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are found in 5-10% of all breast cancer cases in the United States. Other types of inherited gene abnormalities are less common.

Though it may be the best decision or the best proactive step for Jolie to undergo major surgeries due to her risk based on her history , it’s best to make decision that is right for you personally no matter what type of health issue you’re facing. Make sure to do your research before you decide to take any further step.