I think Anglelina made a good decision. Life is so precious. My Mom was found to have invasive breast cancer (not same thing Angie was looking at) in one breast last year and opted for a lumpectomy and radiation plus chemo instead of a mastectomy. She didn't want to have a mastectomy even at her age of 79, because it would be disfiguring. It was her decision, but I was disappointed as was the rest of the family. I hold her life to be much more important than vanity. And, she could have had reconstruction. With her situation, it could have cut the odds of it in the other breast and etc. They don't call it
"invasive" for nothing. But that is just my opinion. And I think Angelia sharing with the public may save lives because she's brought awareness.
I came across this interesting article about testing. Not to take away from anyone or anything, but it appears the type of cancer Angelina might face is a small percentage of the population. Of course, it you or a loved one is in that population, testing can be saving your life. There is information contained in the article below that may help a person and their doctor make decisions. If any or you are reading this and you see these things could apply to you, your family members or your friends, please see a doctor soon. I think it's good to have information.
http://healthblog.dallasnews.com/2013/05/the-3000-dollar-question-should-you-consider-testing-for-breast-cancer.html/The 3000-dollar question: should you consider testing for breast cancer?May 17, 2013
I very much appreciate the Angelina Jolie’s courage in her writings posted in the New York Times this past week. Sharing personal medical experience can make a person feel vulnerable and weak. More often however, sharing an emotional health crisis or event, can give individuals more strength to complete their medical journey and enlighten those with similar paths.
While Angelina’s decision to undergo testing was necessary for her, it is not a beneficial test for most women. So before everyone goes running to their doctor for BRCA testing, here is some basic information (BRCA “101” as I like to call it).
The BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that suppress (curb) tumors. The names stand for breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 and breast cancer susceptibility gene 2. Mutated (abnormal) BRAC 1 and 2 genes are linked to breast and ovarian cancer among families (hereditary).
While testing involves a simple blood test, it should not be performed without professional genetic counseling. Very few people are candidates for the test that costs runs between several hundred and several thousand dollars (up to 3000 dollars). There is a possibility that it may not be completely covered by medical insurance. If tests return abnormal, then significant life-altering choices including surgery should be reviewed. In addition, abnormal results may need to be reported on life or disability insurance applications and may affect eligibility for coverage.
The families at highest risk are those with a history of multiple cases of breast cancer, cases of both breast and ovarian cancer, one or more family members with two primary cancers, or people with Ashkenazi (Central/Eastern European) Jewish background.
It is very important to know that not every woman (or man) in these families has the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene and not every cancer among these families is linked to the mutations. In addition, possessing the harmful BRCA1 o r BRCA2 mutation does not mean a man or woman will develop breast and/or ovarian cancer. Very importantly, only 5-10% of ovarian and breast cancers are hereditary.
Ok, hold your breath. This is a large load of information to soak in your brain.
The likelihood of a harmful mutation with BRCA1 or BRCA2 is increased in the following people according to cancer.gov, *
Two first- degree relatives (mother, daughter or sister) diagnosed with breast cancer, one of who was diagnosed at less than 50 years of age.
Three or more first degree or second-degree (grandmother or aunt) relatives diagnosed with breast cancer regardless of age at diagnosis
A combination of first-and second-degree relatives diagnosed with breast cancer and ovarian cancer (one cancer type per person)
A first –degree relative with cancer diagnosed in both breasts
A combination of two or more first- or second-degree relatives diagnosed with ovarian cancer regardless of age at diagnosis
A first or second degree relative diagnosed with both breast and ovarian cancer regardless of age at diagnosis
Breast cancer diagnosed in a male relative
*For women who are not of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
For women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent:
1. Any first-degree relative diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer
2. Two second-degree relatives on the same side of the family diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer.
Only about 2% of adult women in the general population meet any of the above criteria. A woman with none of these patterns has a low probability of having the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
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