Hello MedHive readers and every one new, this is another post here from the stables of MEDHIVE editorials purposes towards increase health awareness and breaking the hold of the very first disease of ignorance in everyone. This month we have been sharing to create awareness about breast cancer.
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Now to the post of the day.
How old were you when Angelina Jolie beat breast cancer?
It was in the year 2013, the world was stunned and amazed that the disease seen to be terrible at the time was beaten by Angelina Jolie, she is a renowned actor and humanitarian, well known to have stared in many block buster movies for our TV screens in the time, to hear of her in this ways also felt like she was beating up a villain, but this time a real one, breast cancer. When she had detected that from her family history she was at risk if developing breast cancer, she went on to reveal her decision to undergo a preventive double mastectomy, which means to surgically remove her two breasts. This bold choice was not taken lightly, but rather, it was the beginning of a journey marked by family history, genetic discovery, and unwavering courage.
Her is a bit of her family story for those who didn't know.
- Angelina's mother, Marcheline Bertrand, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 49 and passed away eight years later, at 56.
- Angelina's aunt, Debbie Martin, also succumbed to breast cancer.
These losses left an indelible mark on Angelina, fueling her determination to protect herself and her loved ones. She came up with the courage to fight this villain just like in the movies.
In 2012, Angelina underwent "genetic testing", which revealed she carried a potentially deadly mutation in the BRCA1 gene (One of the genes that causes breast Cancer). This discovery meant she had an estimated 87% risk of developing breast cancer and 44% risk of ovarian cancer. The stakes were high as you must have seen, but Angelina was determined to take control.
It wasn't an easy one to make by herself, so Angelina consulted with her partner, Brad Pitt, here was another big time actor, who remembers Troy?.. She also had a sit down talk with her doctors, weighing the options and considering the risks. She opted for a preventive double mastectomy, reducing her breast cancer risk to less than 5%. This courageous decision was met with unwavering support from her family.
Image source
Our take from this story is not only the courageous decision she had made, but also the fact that good enough, we now can detect breast cancer even before it brings out any symptom simply by family history and genetic screening.
Angelina's story highlights the beauty of advances in early breast cancer detection. Genetic testing has revolutionized the field of cancer studies generally, enabling individuals to identify potential risks and take proactive measures.
Genetic testing empowers everyone to:
- Identify genetic mutations/changes increasing breast cancer risk.
- Take informed decisions about risk-reducing measures.
- Enhance screening and surveillance.
- Make informed family planning decisions.
With all these, the fear for breast cancer can be crushed down to zero, because of optimum preventive measures.
Genetic testing is now more accessible and affordable, with many insurance providers covering testing for high-risk individuals especially in developed countries. You may have to check in your country or health services for more information on that.
Angelina's journey and her decision has inspired countless women to prioritize breast health and consider genetic testing.
Now here are a few actions we want to preach through this post.
- Consult with your healthcare provider about genetic testing.
- Learn about your family's medical history.
- Support breast cancer research and awareness initiatives.
- Encourage loved ones to prioritize breast health.
Contributed by @jaydr, a Medical Doctor currently in Residency training in Radiology, who also has a passion for health promotion, music and loves God.
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