Breast cancer tests rise due to ‘Angelina effect’

Referrals for genetic breast cancer tests more than doubled in the UK as a result of what doctors have dubbed the “Angelina effect”.
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In May last year, actress Angelina Jolie revealed to the world that she had undergone a double mastectomy to prevent her getting breast cancer.

The Oscar-winning actress – famed for her roles in Girl, Interrupted and Alexander, as well as her marriaged to Brad Pitt – took the decision after testing positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation that greatly increases the risk of developing the disease.

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A new study has now measured the impact her surprise announcement made on women in the UK.

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It shows that in June and July last year the number of GP referrals for genetic counselling and DNA tests for breast cancer mutations increased two and a half times compared with the same period in 2012.

The effect was long-lasting, with referrals remaining at twice the previous year’s figure from August to October.

But the extra women seeking help were not worried about nothing – most had a family history of breast cancer, meaning they were being appropriately screened.

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Professor Gareth Evans, from the charity Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention and St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester, who led the study published in the journal Breast Cancer Research, said: “Angelina Jolie stating she has a BRCA1 mutation and going on to have a risk-reducing mastectomy is likely to have had a bigger impact than other celebrity announcements, possibly due to her image as a glamorous and strong woman.

“This may have lessened patients’ fears about a loss of sexual identity post-preventative surgery and encouraged those who had not previously engaged with health services to consider genetic testing.

“These high profile cases often mean that more women are inclined to contact centres such as Genesis – and other family history clinics – so that they can be tested for the mutation early and take the necessary steps to prevent themselves from developing the disease.

“Of course, in some cases this may mean a risk-reducing mastectomy, however cancer preventing drugs, such as tamoxifen, and certain lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and more exercise, are also options which many women may consider.”

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Defective versions of BRCA1 and its sister gene BRCA2 are together responsible for about a fifth of breast cancers.

Women who inherit BRCA1 have a 60 per cent to 90 per cent risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. BRCA2 increases the risk by 45 per cent to 85 per cent.

Both gene mutations also raise the risk of ovarian cancer.

The “Angelina effect” highlights the need for more to be done to improve awareness of inherited breast cancer, say the researchers.

Under NHS guidelines, women can qualify for BRCA testing if one of the mutations has already been identified in a relative or they have a strong family history of breast cancer.

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