Global Alliance for Genomics and Health | EurekAlert! | May 3, 2022
Too many women are getting unnecessary mastectomies and other invasive procedures because of a knowledge gap about differences in cancer genes. A new study offers a path to closing the gap.
Nearly a decade ago, Angelina Jolie made famous that preventative mastectomies can help women with BRCA gene mutations — changes that alter gene function. These women may have more than four times higher than normal chances of getting breast cancer. Mutations in BRCA genes can also increase risks for ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancer.