These frightening statistics have sparked a media frenzy amongst celebrities. Here are five celebrities who have openly discussed having (or not having) the BRCA gene -- and just how they’ve dealt with these findings.
1. Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie emotionally captivated our attention when she underwent a double mastectomy in 2013 due to the detection of the BRCA1 gene. Her daring decision sparked both admiration and anger amongst women. However, her decision to open up definitely brought awareness of the gene to light.
“A simple blood test had revealed that I carried a mutation in the BRCA1 gene,” says Jolie in a self-written Op Ed piece published in The New York Times. “It gave me an estimated 87 percent risk of breast cancer and a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer. I lost my mother, grandmother and aunt to cancer.”
Here’s the thing that many people get wrong: the gene wasn’t the only reason for the mastectomy. This fact is often overlooked by those who disagree with Jolie’s decision.
“I did not do this solely because I carry the BRCA1 gene mutation, and I want other women to hear this,” says Jolie in the article. “A positive BRCA test does not mean a leap to surgery. I have spoken to many doctors, surgeons and naturopaths.”
In fact, she wants women to know that there are many avenues that one can take if diagnosed with this concerning gene.
“Some women take birth control pills or rely on alternative medicines combined with frequent checks. There is more than one way to deal with any health issue. The most important thing is to learn about the options and choose what is right for you personally,” says Jolie in the article.