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.
In partnership with upday UK.
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