Angelina Jolie is a Hollywood actress known for her beauty, talent, and humanitarian work. However, in 2013, Jolie shocked the world when she revealed that she had a double mastectomy as a preventative measure against breast cancer.

She later also had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. Jolie made these decisions because she tested positive for a genetic mutation that predisposes her to cancer.

In this article, we will explore the genetic predisposition for cancer that Angelina Jolie shares, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, and how they increased her risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

What are BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes?

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are a pair of genes that play a crucial role in repairing damaged DNA. Every cell in our body contains DNA, which can be damaged by environmental factors such as radiation or toxins or during cell division.

Normally, our cells are able to repair such damage, but if the damage persists, it can lead to mutations that increase the risk of cancer. In addition to repairing DNA, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes also help prevent the growth of abnormal cells that may become cancerous.

How Do BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes Increase the Risk of Cancer?

Everyone has BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, but mutations in these genes can increase the risk of developing cancer. The mutations can be inherited from either the mother or the father and can affect both men and women.

However, women with mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 have up to an 85% increased risk of developing breast cancer and up to a 50% increased risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to women without the mutations. Men with BRCA mutations also have an increased risk of developing breast and prostate cancer.

How Do You Know if You Have a BRCA Mutation?

One way to find out if you have a BRCA mutation is to get genetic testing. This test involves a blood sample, which is analyzed for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

It is important to note that not everyone who has a BRCA mutation will develop cancer, and not everyone who develops cancer has a BRCA mutation. However, knowing if you have a BRCA mutation can help you make informed decisions about your health and reduce your risk of developing cancer.

Angelina Jolie’s Experience with BRCA Mutations

Angelina Jolie learned that she carried a BRCA1 mutation after her mother died of ovarian cancer.

Jolie underwent genetic testing and found out that she had an 87% risk of developing breast cancer and a 50% risk of developing ovarian cancer in her lifetime. In 2013, Jolie wrote an op-ed in The New York Times disclosing that she had a double mastectomy to reduce her risk of developing breast cancer.

Two years later, she had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed as a preventative measure against ovarian cancer. Although these decisions were difficult, Jolie made them so that she could lower her risk of developing cancer and be around for her children.

What are the Options for Women with BRCA Mutations?

Women with BRCA mutations have several options to reduce their risk of developing cancer. These options include:.

Increased screening: Women can get regular mammograms and breast MRIs at a younger age and more frequently than women without the mutations. They can also get regular pelvic exams and transvaginal ultrasounds to detect early signs of ovarian cancer.
Prophylactic surgery: Women can choose to have a preventive mastectomy, which involves removing both breasts, or a preventive oophorectomy, which involves removing the ovaries and fallopian tubes. These surgeries can greatly reduce the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
Chemoprevention: Women can take medications such as tamoxifen or raloxifene, which can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

Conclusion

Angelina Jolie’s experience with BRCA mutations has raised awareness of the importance of genetic testing and preventative measures against cancer.

It is important to know your family history of cancer and discuss genetic testing with your doctor if you are at high risk. With early detection and preventative measures, women with BRCA mutations can greatly reduce their risk of developing cancer and live healthy lives.