So today I posted this on FB:
"I rarely post anything "political" on FB, but I wanted to comment on Angelina Jolie's "news". I am so thankful to her and other "famous" women for sharing the choice to be BRAC tested and even go as far as having preventative surgery.
1/10 women will get breast cancer and an even higher rate will get it (before age 45) with a BRAC gene mutation. And even more with the mutation will suffer from ovarian cancer (much harder to detect and often terminal).
Testing showed that Angelina's chances of cancer were 87%+. Should she have waited to have to undergo surgery, chemo, radiation, etc or should she save herself and her family and 6 children the suffering and undergo the preventative actions?
Now I'm not advocating that all women chop off their boobs, but as someone with an elevated risk (27%) of having breast cancer, I am thankful to her for making a tough choice and sharing a story that will hopefully inspire women around the globe NOT to get surgery, but to get TESTED and know their situation and their options. It's nice when a celebrity uses their fame for something constructive. "
If you know me, you know strongly I feel about knowledge and testing and having all your information available to make the best decision. Now, I am a faithful People.com follower and love news about celebrities as much as the next girl, but often I am disgusted by what passes for "news". I don't often feel that we "deserve" to know every detail about a celebrity's divorce, or lunch menu or weight loss/gain. But I am a big believer that God allows things to happen to us to educate others. Angeline Jolie's story is one such situation. She is an international and humanitarian ambassador and her reach for "fame" and education far exceeds most human beings. The loss of her mother, gene testing, and the choice to have preventative surgery, give her a unique platform to educate. Just as Robin Roberts is a voice for the National Bone Marrow Registry, so is Angelina for BRAC testing and beast cancer preventative education.
I am sad that so many women in my family have endured the loss of part or all of their breasts due to this invasive disease. But because they have, I have met with doctors and done the research and understand my risks and the protocols I should take to prevent (as much as I can) getting the disease. Luckily, I am not in the same situation as Angelina and my risk is not a virtual certainty. But I have the information to protect myself and to educate those I love. For those who have not yet endured the heartache of cancer, chemo, radiation, surgery and recovery, take your boobs into your own hands and be proactive. You do not need BRAC testing unless you've had breast cancer while age 45 or younger or your mother or grandmothers have had breast or ovarian cancer. Men can be carriers so if a woman related to your Father has had either cancer, they should be tested to determine if their have the gene. If they do, then your Father should consider getting tested before insurance will likely cover your testing.
Educate, educate, educate.
Rant complete. :-)
