Since actor Angelina Jolie underwent a double mastectomy to evade breast cancer, the number of women who are getting screening done in the UK has doubled.
Dubbed the "Angelina Jolie Effect," women undergoing genetic testing for breast cancer risks have shown a surge when compared to 2012.
In May 2013, Jolie divulged that she had gone through a precautionary double mastectomy to dodge breast cancer. 39-year old Jolie had taken the decision post testing positive for BRCA1 - a gene mutation which along with BRCA2 is responsible for nearly 20 percent breast cancer cases.
Women who are diagnosed with BRCA1 have a risk of 60 percent to 90 percent of developing the cancer, whereas those with BRCA2 are at 45 percent to 85 percent risk. These two gene mutations can also increase the risk of contracting ovarian cancer.
Now a new study entitled "The Angelina Jolie effect: how high celebrity profile can have a major impact on provision of cancer related services" reveals that announcement has impacted several women.
The researchers observed referral data related to breast cancer family history in the UK for two consecutive years - 2012 and 2013. The study saw participation from more than 30 breast cancer clinics and 10 genetics centers. The researchers then collated the referrals of each month and studied the increase in pattern from 2012 to 2013.
The study reveals that in June and July 2013, the GP referral numbers for genetic counseling, as well as DNA tests increased two and half times when compared to 2012.
Moreover, the impact lasted for some time as the referrals stayed double when compared to 2012 even from August to October.
"Angelina Jolie stating she has a BRCA1 mutation and going on to have a risk-reducing mastectomy is likely to have had a bigger impact than other celebrity announcements, possibly due to her image as a glamorous and strong woman," reveals Professor Gareth Evans who led the study.
Intriguingly, the women who sought screening were not worried without a cause as a majority of them had a family history of the disease.
The researchers opine that the "Angelina Jolie Effect" is a thriving example of how more work needs to be done in the area of breast cancer awareness improvement.
The study has been published in the journal Breast Cancer Research.
