I know many of you may already know of Angelina Jolie’s decision of a double mastectomy. Her story has been read by many, and so far the feedback is very positive. Soon after finding out she carried a gene that’s hereditary in her family called BRCA1 (a faulty gene that increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer) she had to make a choice that would spare her a longer, and healthier life with her family despite being in the eyes of fame. Knowing this decision would be the most talked about procedure not only in Hollywood, but all over the nation. Angelina Jolie is known to be a brave and strong woman, and many might see her now as an inspiration. There are so many women across the globe, who are possibly living with BRCA1, and are unaware of the tools that are readily available at their fingertips, but, by taking action now helps to prevent cancer cells from mutating late BRCA1 is a gene known as a tumor suppressor. The National Cancer Institute says the gene can mutate and lead to breast cancer or ovarian cancer, and it’s hereditary. Having BRCA1 is harder to cure because the virus is stronger and it’s almost immune to the hormonal therapy. The National Cancer Institute says only 12% of women with BRCA2 are at risk of being diagnosed with cancer in a lifetime, and women with BRCA1 is at a higher risk of at least 60% because it’s more harmful. Soon after Angelina found out of this gene, she and her doctor evaluated her options of preventative care. “My doctors estimated that I had an 87 percent risk of breast cancer and a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer” (NYtimes.com). Next, she evaluated her options and considered living a bit longer with her family vs. her looks. Finally, after crossing the t’s, and dotting the I’s; it was time for surgery. Having the support from her husband who never left her side through all three procedures made for an easier process. For many women, just the thought of a mastectomy of just one breast is dreadful. Well, Image a double mastectomy. If we set aside looks and think about our health, sacrifices just may have to be considered. I know most of us are young, and we are still in college but one day we will be 40 years old. Preventative care is available. “My chances of developing breast cancer have dropped from 87 percent to under 5 percent.” As I said before, I see Angelina Jolie as an empowered woman, who is strong and brave enough to consider the preventative mastectomy. For those with curious minds Angelina Jolie is not completely “flat chested”, it is the 20th century, lets’ just say “the doctors were able to improvise.” I hope that anyone who has had someone close diagnosed with cancer or lost someone to cancer can see Angelina Jolie’s story as an inspiration as I do. Something as simple as a blood test can determine your health. This process takes about 10 minutes out of your day vs. months in Chemotherapy. Although we are not 40 years old yet, we do need to spread the word. It all starts with us.
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