What was the impact of the Angelina Jolie effect on women's health?

About this episode

In 2013, American actress Angelina Jolie made headlines by revealing in the New York Times that she had undergone a preventive double mastectomy to reduce her risk of cancer. The procedure consists of removing both breasts and Jolie explained that a genetic test had shown she carried a mutation in the BRCA1 gene, significantly raising her chances of developing breast or ovarian cancer. A decade later, her decision had a ripple effect, inspiring many women to undergo similar genetic testing, creating what's now known as the "Angelina Jolie Effect." Despite that though, some doctors are still skeptical about the need for widespread testing. What is the BRCA1 gene then? But why the doubts among doctors regarding these tests? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why do our bellies get fatter as we get older? What is the butterfly effect and how does it affect our lives? Why is there such a taboo over the prostate? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices