Why did Angelina Jolie undergo bilateral breast amputation?

Angelina Jolie, a famous actress and activist, sparked huge interest in the world’s media in 2013 when she publicly announced that she had undergone bilateral breast amputation surgery.

This decision caused a lot of controversy and questions, but it was related to her health and the results of genetic tests. In this article, we will analyze why Angelina Jolie made such a drastic decision, what consequences the identified mutation had, and who should consider genetic testing in the context of carrying these mutations.

Who should be tested for carrying these mutations?

Angelina Jolie’s decision to undergo bilateral breast amputation was the result of genetic tests that showed that she was a carrier of mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These mutations increase the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. People who have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, especially in the first degree of consanguinity, should consider genetic testing. People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent also have a higher risk of carrying these mutations and should consider genetic testing.

Genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations allows us to identify people who are at a much higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. This is an important tool in the prevention and early detection of these cancers.

Detected mutation – what does it mean?

When Angelina Jolie found out that she was a carrier of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, she had to make a difficult decision about her health. These mutations increased her risk of developing breast cancer to 87% and ovarian cancer to 50%. However, the detection of such a mutation does not automatically mean the need for breast amputation. This is a personal decision for every woman.

Angelina Jolie decided to have her breasts amputated as a way to significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. This is not the only option. People with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations can also take other preventive measures, such as more frequent mammograms, MRIs, or taking medications. It is crucial to consult with your doctor and geneticist to make the best decision for your health.

Your suggestions

If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, it is worth considering genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. This can help prevent or detect these dangerous cancers early. Consultation with a doctor and a geneticist is crucial to take appropriate preventive or treatment steps.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in the topic of genetics and breast cancer prevention, we recommend that you read the following articles:

“What are the most important genes associated with breast and ovarian cancer?”

“Methods for early detection of breast cancer – what every woman should know”

“The impact of lifestyle on the risk of developing breast cancer”

These articles will help you better understand issues related to breast cancer, its genetics and its prevention.

The conclusion is that Angelina Jolie’s decision to have bilateral breast amputations was the result of the discovery of genetic mutations that increase the risk of cancer. Every person, especially those with a family history of cancer, should consider genetic testing and consulting a doctor to make the best decisions about prevention and health.