In one year, I expect the prophelactic mastectomy rates would double if not triple. I also expect the rates of women asking for BRCA tests to double and the maker of BRCA tests is going to have a stellar year.
Here's why I am not thrilled:
1. BRCA tests are expensive and provides very little information for either research or treatment. 95% don't have these known BRCA mutations, 10% would develop BC anyway. Full gene sequencing provides much more information for research and treatment someday, and its price is just a bit more than BRCA tests. Yet I see NO articles making this point. Taxpayers and insurers have NO obligation to foot the bill for BRCA tests, but every reason to support more research in full gene sequencing.
2. Breast cancer, specificly metastatic breast cancer has no cure. This is the foundamental justification for Angelina's decision. More money needs to go to research and more research into metastatic BC, not into unnecessary and expensive BRCA gene tests. Again I do not see anyone making these point.
Angelina Effect could be really positive if Angelina Jolie could direct attention to support for MBC research. Totally wasteful if it just ends up with more women clamouring for BRCA gene tests, and getting a false sense of security when BRCA tests show negative for a few known mutations and forget about the threat of MBC.
