Dear Lola, It’s wonderful to hear that you would like a full understanding of the important points of breast cancer and the acknowledgement of whether being tested is a good or bad idea. It is very important to have a clear understanding of what is needed to be known of breast cancer. That includes genes, gene mutation, BRCA1 and BRCA2, the risk and inheritance of breast cancer, the pros and cons of BRCA gene testing, and lastly the article you found on Angelina Jolie. I will try my best in addressing the most essential points and giving you a clear understanding and their importance. Firstly, it is good to have a basic understanding of proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Lodish’s article (2000) helps in explaining what proto-oncogenes …show more content…
I recommend getting tested wouldn’t hurt and would really give you a better view in seeing how safe you and your daughters are. Now there are pros and there are cons in getting tested. Jacobson (1997) informs us that even if you were to get a mastectomy that does not mean that you have a 100% chance of being cancer free. It only lowers the cancer risk, there will still be breast cells and they could potentially affect your tissue and organs. Jacobson (1997) also mentions that even under the best technology, there is a chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer. These are two major cons of being tested but another that you should take into consideration is that being tested could trigger numerous emotions, such as depression and/or anxiety. I should warn you that even if you were to be tested and you receive news of having abnormal genes that does not automatically mean you will get breast cancer. I agree when Jacobson (1997) recommends that getting tested should be for those who know will not take the news too hard. You should definitely weigh out the pros and cons and ask yourself if you’re strong enough to handle the news you …show more content…
Kluger and Park (2013) stated that she had an 87% chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer. We should take into consideration that she lost her own mother to breast cancer and she has two biological daughter and a total of six children she is taking care of. I think it’s only reasonable to say that she had the mastectomy as a precaution so that should would obviously reduce the risk of getting breast cancer and so that she could live a long and fulfilling life with her children. Considering your mother/my grandmother has had breast cancer, it would be wise to be tested right away. Once you’re tested and you come to find you have a high risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer you should take action right away. If the chances were as high as Jolie’s I would recommend getting a mastectomy since it shot her percentage down to around 5% (Kluger and Park 2013). But even if the chances aren’t so high there is still a percentage that need to be taken care of. Russo (2007) recommends a healthy lifestyle, getting mammograms, consulting with doctors and finding one you feel most comfortable with, and make plans that will help you in the long run. Breast cancer is something that should be taken seriously, so I’ve done my best in giving you most of the important key points. I hope you found the information I provided with you helpful. I don’t