Angelina Jolie

[coccinelle]

For the ladies:
how would you feel about doing this?

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/05/14/183853256/actress-angelina-jolie-shares-story-of-her-double-mastectomy

[Sqad]

There are no established guidelines but rocky is correct.. if there is a family history of breast or ovarian cancer then you would get the test on the NHS.

However, if you were prepared to pay then there is little doubt that a test would be performed.
Bilateral mastectomy is not the only method of management for women with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene.

[coccinelle]

Hi sqad
I wonder if mammograms and uterus scans would be spaced out if you were found negative of these genes... something to ask my gynaecologist on my next appointment.

[Sqad]

Having a true negative test result does not mean that a person will not develop cancer; it means that the person’s risk of cancer is probably the same as that of people in the general population.

[Iluvspikey]

I read that she was 86% chance of getting breast cancer and 50% higher in getting ovrian cancer

[coccinelle]

Yes, Iluvspikey, that when you carry the BRCA1 or /and BRCA 2 genes. If you're tested negative you are at the same risk as any other woman develping these cancers, so yes, I understand sqad that a mammogram every 2 years and annual uterus scans are still essential.

[rockyracoon]

Does the removal of her breasts bring down the chance of ovarian cancer? the breast cancer is reduced to 5%

[Sqad]

rocky....an interesting question, ........I don't know, but doubt it as even after a bilateral vasectomy, one still has the "rogue " genes.

So to be absolutely certain one would need a bilateral mastectomy and bilateral oopherectomy...

[coccinelle]

I don't think so rocky; she'll have regular smear tests and uterus scans for that I would think. Crikey, can you imagine going for a hysterectomy on top of that?

[Sqad]

"vasectomy?"...I mean mastectomy......;-)

[Sqad]

coccinelle.....you wouldn't need a hysterectomy.........

[coccinelle]

oopherectomy not hysterectomy; my mistake.

[anneasquith]

Angelina jolie..............had a vasectomy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rockyracoon]

Lol sqad.

The poor woman still as that worry them :(

I'm glad my stock is generally ailment free, barring self induced stuff.

[queenofmean]

I have been told that there is a history in my family, I think I would get tested, but I'm not sure if I would have a mastectomy. If I did I think I would like to have my chest reconstructed - but would that mean I will run the risk of getting Cancer?

[Sqad]

queenie........you would have implants.......you don't get cancer in implants.....

[Mamyalynne]

The way I read the article it said she decided to get the Mastectomy done first, so maybe she plans an oopherectomy in the near future.

[queenofmean]

thank goodness for that, thanks Sqad :)

[coccinelle]

But can't implants cause problems too?

[Sqad]

coccinelle.........maybe ....but not malignant ones..............I hope ...

[rockyracoon]

She might not have the ooph thing yet, she likes lots of kids so may be planning more.