The story about Angelina Jolie and her decision to have a double mastectomy had successfully got several people talking about preventive mastectomy. However, it only did a little to increase their understanding of the risk involved in breast cancer.
Researchers from the Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland led by Prof. Dina Borzekowski surveyed more than 2,572 adults. They were asked to describe their level of awareness and sources of the Angelina Jolie story. They were also asked to provide their reactions, perceptions, and next decisions after hearing it.
The survey revealed that while there were 3 out of 4 who had heard of Jolie’s mastectomy, less than 90 percent properly understood the actress’ condition.
When her mother died of breast cancer at the age of 56, Jolie has decided to have mastectomy on both of her breasts after finding out that she is a carrier of a rare gene mutation thereby increasing her risk to be afflicted with cancer.
The survey also found that Jolie’s mastectomy had caused some people to become more confused about how the history of cancer in a family plays a significant role in an individual’s own risk.
The researchers conducted the survey within three weeks after Jolie published her story in the Times. This is to make sure that the story remains fresh in the minds of the participants.
As a result, the study has concluded that having a family history that involves breast cancer does not actually create a better understanding of the disease. Moreover, women, compared to men, were actually a little less knowledgeable on the topic.
"Celebrities are not health educators," Borzekowski said in an interview.
"I actually think that what [Jolie] did was extremely courageous," she added. "I think it's a positive thing."
Jolie’s genetic mutation accounts for just five to 10 percent of all cases of breast cancer. However, her move became significant in decreasing the stigma connected with mastectomies.
The study was published in the online journal Genetics in Medicine.
