In 2013, actress Angelina Jolie made headlines for her decision to undergo a double mastectomy as a preemptive measure to help prevent the onset of breast cancer. Here’s a look into what persuaded her to undergo a preventative double mastectomy and the positive effects her brave decision has had on other women in similar situations.

What Does Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer Entail?

Genetic testing for breast cancer involves performing a DNA analysis on a blood sample taken from the patient. If the patient tests positive for either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, she has a highly increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

Although it can be unnerving for a woman to learn that she carries the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, undergoing genetic testing helps women make informed decisions about their breast cancer treatment options. One such option involves undergoing a preventative double mastectomy to remove the breast tissue where malignant breast cancer tumors develop, as Jolie did in response to testing positive for the gene mutation.

Who Is an Appropriate Candidate for This Type of Genetic Testing?

Certain factors put some women at an increased risk of having either the BRCA 1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, which in turn puts them at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Women who have any of the following increased risk factors should seriously consider undergoing genetic testing:

  • A family history of breast cancer, especially in close relatives including parents and siblings
  • A relative with an established BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
  • Eastern European Jewish ancestry and either a personal history of ovarian cancer or a close relative who has breast and / or ovarian cancer
  • A personal history of premenopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer or both
  • A personal history of ovarian cancer coupled with a relative who has ovarian cancer, premenopausal breast cancer or both

How Undergoing a Preventative Double Mastectomy Can Help

Thankfully, Jolie’s brave decision encouraged other women in similar situations to undergo genetic testing for breast cancer. That’s great news, as taking preemptive action against breast cancer is an effective way for some women to dramatically decrease their chance of developing the disease. In Jolie’s case, undergoing the double mastectomy lowered her chances of developing breast cancer from 87 percent to 5 percent.

Breast Reconstruction Following Double Mastectomy

At Northwestern Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chicago breast reconstruction surgeon Dr. John Kim and his trusted team recognize that the decision to undergo a preventative double mastectomy can be both liberating and frightening. To help mastectomy patients restore the look of their breasts, thereby restoring their sense of femininity and overall self-confidence, Dr. Kim performs breast reconstruction surgery. He works closely with the patient’s surgical oncologist to determine the most appropriate reconstruction treatment protocol, which may involve performing breast reconstruction at the same time as the mastectomy, so the patient emerges from surgery feeling like herself.

If you would like to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Kim to learn more about your breast reconstructive surgery treatment options, click here and contact Northwestern Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery by calling 312-695-6022.