BR CA 1 and 2 What does it mean for Angelina-Jolie?

Breast cancer was in the spotlight again this week. With the announcement of Angelina Jolie’s decision to have a double mastectomy, many womens websites were buzzing about genetic testing and the benefits of determining genetic risk for breast cancer. Over 1600 comments were registered on the Jolie’s New York times article reflecting significant public interest and the potential effect on cancer clinics across the United States. Many people are certain to be wondering about how to go about getting more information on genetic testing. It will primarily be the responsibility of family practitioner’s to guide women on the subject. The average woman has a breast cancer risk of approximately 12%. Since Angelina Jolie is positive for BRCA1, her risk before surgery is approximately 7 times higher. According to Jolie her doctors estimated that she had an 87% risk of breast