Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women over 20. Around seven percent of breast cancer cases and up to 15 percent of ovarian cancer cases are caused by mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Women who test positive for these mutations have up to an 87 percent risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer and a 44 percent risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. For those with BRCA1 mutations, the number of deaths from breast or ovarian cancer is roughly the same.
What’s the trickle down impact of celebrities testing and taking action? Certain celebrities have chosen to have double mastectomies when it was found that they had the “faulty gene” BRCA1. In some cases, this lowers the chance of developing breast cancer to five percent. About six million women nationwide said they would seek medical advice on preventative surgery after hearing of medical procedures. The fact of the matter is that celebrity action catches people’s attention. London Breast Institute figures showed genetic testing for BRCA mutations at their clinic had risen by a whopping 67 percent since celebrities have brought light to the situation.
BRCA testing change your life—whether it’s motivated by following in a celebrity’s footsteps or not. To learn more, check out the full infographic below!
