Actress Angelina Jolie Turns 49 Amid Painful Divorce Brad Pitt, 60– Her Lasting Legacy Empowering Women To Prevent Cancer

“Once I knew that this was my reality, I decided to be proactive and to minimize the risk as much (as) I could,” Jolie writes. “I made a decision to have a preventive double mastectomy (removal of both breasts). I started with the breasts, as my risk of breast cancer is higher than my risk of ovarian cancer, and the surgery is more complex.”

“But I am writing about it now because I hope that other women can benefit from my experience. Cancer is still a word that strikes fear into people’s hearts, producing a deep sense of powerlessness. But today, it is possible to find out through a blood test whether you are highly susceptible to breast and ovarian cancer, and then take action.”

WATCH: Understanding the BRCA Gene Mutation

Jolie, who is a mother of six, had her ovaries and breast removed after her mom, Marcheline Bertrand, passed away after battling breast and ovarian cancers.

Commonly called the “Angelina Jolie Effect” or “Jolie gene” test, the impact of the actress’ op-ed prompted a notable spike in BRCA gene testing. The new test was created to determine the women who are at the most significant risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer because of a specific gene mutation, the BRCA gene mutation.

According to a 2016 Harvard Medical School report, “Researchers estimated that in the span of two weeks, the op-ed may have precipitated 4,500 more BRCA tests than would have normally occurred during that time period nationally at a price tag of $13.5 million.”

Which Gene Mutations Are Important to Look for in Breast Cancer?

Dr. Julie R. Gralow, the Chief Medical officer and the Executive Vice President of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, tells SurvivorNet that “Germline genetic testing for inherited predisposition for breast (and ovarian) cancer can include just BRCA1/2 testing or a more comprehensive gene panel that might include 15-25 genes.”

Related: Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer: What is This Type of Test? And What Do My Results Mean?

The infamous BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene changes are still the most important ones to look for in breast cancer. Together, they are responsible for about half of all hereditary breast cancers. These genes prevent cells from dividing haphazardly and uncontrollably in a person without mutations. Mutations prevent these genes from doing their job and can allow unchecked growth of breast, ovarian, and other tissues. This voracious growth paves the path for cancer development.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations increase the risk of developing breast cancer by up to 85% during their lifetime. To break it down, only 13% of all women will develop breast cancer during their lifetimes. If they carry the mutations, their risk increases to 45%-72%, depending upon their exact mutation.

The presence of such mutations can have a significant impact on the treatment options for women carrying them. “Presence of a BRCA1/2 gene mutation (or others associated with high risk) may impact surgical decision-making in a patient who is newly diagnosed with breast cancer,” says Dr. Gralow.

“It should not really impact treatment of the current cancer (eligibility for lumpectomy versus mastectomy), but the presence of such a mutation carries a very high risk of developing a second breast cancer, so bilateral mastectomy is a reasonable consideration to reduce the risk of second cancer.”

Research has also identified other mutations that may increase the risk of breast cancer. These include changes in PALB2, ATM, CHEK2, KRAS, CDH1, TP53, PTEN, and numerous other genes. Modern genetic testing panels can look for mutations in more than 80 genes simultaneously.

Where can you get help after undergoing genetic testing?

“If someone gets a genetic test result back, it’s really important for them to know what this is. (What does this) mean for them? Put it into context,” Dr. Elisa Port, a surgical oncologist at Mount Sinai, previously explained to SurvivorNet.

Genetic counselors help patients during this critical phase of understanding.

WATCH: Genetic Testing Provides Important Information Useful for Treatment

“What does it mean for their family members? For their relatives? Genetic counseling to follow up genetic testing is a really, really important part of the whole process and is not always available in the direct-to-consumer type avenue.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, your doctor can refer you for genetic counseling based on your personal and family health history.

Genetic Counselors Can Help Understanding Genetic Testing

The thought of undergoing testing to learn your cancer risk can weigh heavy on your emotions. Fortunately, genetic counselors are available at many medical centers to help you through it.

WATCH: Seeing a Genetic Counselor Helps

Rachel Webster, a genetic counselor at MD Anderson Cancer Center, explains that her job is to determine the type of genetic testing that may be most beneficial for the person she is meeting with and their family members.

Telehealth counseling may be available for those who do not have access to a medical center or hospital that offers genetic counseling services.

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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