With the discovery of the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 breast cancer genes has come the realization that genetics plays a role for many women and men in breast cancer. This awareness had caused action and reaction, both often based on lack of accurate information. The 2013 decision by the actress Angelina Jolie to have prophylactic double mastectomy raised the visibility of the issue and the misinformation factor at the same time since she did little to explain why she made the decision.
This article explores the facts and myths around BRCA 1 and 2 as well as providing information on other genes in the cancer realm. The story examines the multitude of possible actions when the genes are present – refuting the idea that there are only two, remove the breasts prophylactically or not. It looks at a number of scenarios in families where the BRCA genes are present and also gives research updates on what we do and do not know about the genes and what to do when the test is positive – or negative. Sidebars cover what was then the pending Supreme Court decision on Myriad’s lock on testing as well as Lynch Syndrome, which is not well known and can lead to cancer. The web pieces include a blog about the movie “Decoding Annie Parker,” the story of the woman who fought the system with the aid of researcher Mary Claire King to determine what was killing the women in her family.