Angelina Jolie Genetic Predisposition Testing
Angelina Jolie Pitt chose to have surgery to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes it was reported today 24th March 2015 in the New York Times newspaper. Having 2 years previously had a mastectomy due to her being a carrier of the BRCA 1 breast cancer gene. What led Ms.Jolie Pitt to opt for this latest surgery is reported in her piece in the New York Times Newspaper:‘Diary of a Surgery’ and it is an honest, moving account of her journey. She informs us that her mother, grandmother and aunt died of cancer and so she had already detected this gene using Genetic Predisposition Testing to confirm she was indeed a carrier.
BRCA 1 Gene and Genetic Predisposition Testing for Cancer
Jolie who is married to Brad Pitt, a well-known Hollywood actor, chose to have her ovaries and her fallopian tubes removed after a check-up 2 weeks ago. Angelina carries a ‘faulty’ gene called BRCA 1 which increases the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. This genetic mutation can be found by undergoing DNA testing, known as genetic predisposition testing, and preventative measures can be taken alongside further testing and monitoring. Her risk was calculated as 87% risk of breast cancer and a 50% risk of ovarian cancer. The surgery does not completely guarantee that cancer will not develop and it is not possible to remove all the risky tissue. Both men and women can inherit the BRCA1 gene and, whether or not they get cancer themselves, they have a 50/50 chance of passing it on to their children. She writes; “The fact is I remain prone to cancer. I will look for natural ways to strengthen my immune system. I feel feminine and grounded in the choices I am making for myself and my family.” Patients who find that they are positive for either of the BRCA mutations should make a decision with a consultation with their trusted doctors and families about which path is the most appropriate one to choose.
After the Surgery
Jolie Pitthas said “It is a less complex surgery than the mastectomy, but its effects are more severe. It puts a woman into forced menopause.” She has said she takes hormone replacements and is looking after her immune system with conventional and alternative medicine as well as she can in order that her children will not have to say “my mother died of ovarian cancer.” She went on to say; “I will not be able to have anymore children, and I expect some physical changes. But I feel at ease with whatever will come, not because I am strong but because this is a part of life. It is nothing to be feared.”
The Angelina Effect
The Ovarian Cancer Action charity has praised her ‘bravery’ and said “we applaud Angelina Jolie’s decision to announce that she has had preventative surgery for ovarian cancer and are anticipating another wave of the ‘Angelina Effect’” which saw a dramatic increase in referrals for genetic predispositionDNA testing after Angelina’s double mastectomy in 2013. All women have a 1 in 54 chance of developing ovarian cancer, however those with the mutation in the BRAC1/2 genes, like Angelina, their risk increases to one in two. Many have applauded her brave decision to document her ‘diary of a surgery’ and she has not said it is the right course for everyone, indeed she also added that she ‘Chose to keep her uterus’ as that type of cancer did not run in her family nor in her genetic testing results.
Genetic Predisposition Testing from International Biosciences
Genetic predisposition testing is a DNA test to determine your predisposition for important conditions including cancers, diabetes and obesity. Knowing about genetic disorders allows you to plan to reduce your risk by making lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise or further testing as in the above case. We also can offer the Estrogen Gene Test: studies have revealed a causal link between oestrogen and breast cancer. We now know that the presence of oestrogen makes certain women more susceptible to developing breast cancer. Our oestrogen test will establish the extent to which your body can break down the essential yet carcinogenic oestrogen hormone.
Contact International Biosciences now for more information about Genetic Predisposition Testing on 1-800-969-5186 or email us at [email protected]
