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What was the impact of the Angelina Jolie effect on women's health?

Dec 2, 2023

American actress Angelina Jolie discusses the impact of her double mastectomy on women's health, including the rise of genetic testing and doctors' skepticism about its necessity.

04:46

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Angelina Jolie

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Quick takeaways

The "Angelina Jolie Effect" refers to the impact of her decision to undergo a preventive double mastectomy, inspiring many women to undergo genetic testing.

Doctors express skepticism about widespread testing, emphasizing the importance of discussing test results with a healthcare professional.

Deep dives

The Angelina Jolie effect on women's health

In 2013, Angelina Jolie revealed she underwent a preventive double mastectomy due to a BRCA1 gene mutation that increased her risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Her decision had a ripple effect, inspiring many women to undergo genetic testing, leading to the Angelina Jolie effect. However, some doctors express skepticism about widespread testing, citing concerns about potentially alarming and risky diagnoses.

The Impact of the Angelina Jolie Effect on Women's Health

5min

In 2013, American actress Angelina Jolie made headlines by revealing in the New York Times that she had undergone a preventive double mastectomy to reduce her risk of cancer. The procedure consists of removing both breasts and Jolie explained that a genetic test had shown she carried a mutation in the BRCA1 gene, significantly raising her chances of developing breast or ovarian cancer.

A decade later, her decision had a ripple effect, inspiring many women to undergo similar genetic testing, creating what's now known as the "Angelina Jolie Effect." Despite that though, some doctors are still skeptical about the need for widespread testing.

What is the BRCA1 gene then? But why the doubts among doctors regarding these tests? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

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