Angelina Jolie is one of the most known celebrities. Now let's discuss something odd. When people think of prostate cancer, they rarely think of Hollywood star Angelina Jolie. Yet, medical experts now advise yearly checks for men with the ‘Angelina Jolie’ gene. These men face a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
What is the ‘Angelina Jolie’ gene?
The gene refers to BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. It is called the ‘Angelina Jolie’ gene because she revealed in 2013 that she carries BRCA1 and underwent a double mastectomy. BRCA1 and BRCA2 normally act as tumour suppressors. They control cell growth. If both copies of the gene fail, cells grow uncontrollably, leading to cancer. About five percent of breast cancers are hereditary and linked to BRCA1 or BRCA2.
In her essay My Medical Choice, Jolie wrote, “I am writing about it now because I hope that other women can benefit from my experience… it is possible to find out through a blood test whether you are highly susceptible to breast and ovarian cancer, and then take action.” After she published her story, daily testing for BRCA mutations rose 64 percent in just 15 working days. Even six months later, testing rates stayed 37 percent higher than before.
Study links the gene to prostate cancer
Researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London found that men with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations have double the risk of prostate cancer. Their tumours also tend to be more aggressive. For example, out of 100 men with a BRCA2 mutation, 21 to 35 may develop prostate cancer before age 80.
The study also found that men with these mutations are diagnosed younger, at an average of 61, compared with 64 for men without the gene. Professor Rosalind Eeles, who led the study, said, “Our research shows that men with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations face a significantly higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Targeted PSA screening in this high-risk group could detect cancers earlier, when treatment works best.”
Professor Clare Isacke, co-author, added, “Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in men. With rates rising, it is essential to detect significant cases early, before it spreads.”
Testing for the gene
Doctors can detect BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations with a blood test. In the US, it costs several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on insurance. In India, the test costs Rs 6,000 to Rs 20,000.
Who should get tested?
Men or women with a family history of breast, ovarian, prostate, or pancreatic cancer should get tested. Anyone diagnosed with breast cancer before age 45 should also consider testing.