Jolie Effect Pushes Breast Checks in Women

The UK witnessed a surge in risk-reducing double mastectomies following Angelina Jolie's May 2013 procedure.

The Breast Cancer Research journal notes that the actress's announcement has attributed to about a two and a half times increase in the number of women who went for checks during last June and July when compared to the corresponding months in 2012.

Jolie revealed last year that she had undergone surgery after she tested positive for BRCA 1 mutation that is associated with an increased breast cancer risk of around 45 to 90 percent.

"Data from 12 family history clinics and 9 regional genetics services showed a rise in referrals from May 2013 onwards. Referrals were nearly 2.5 fold in June and July 2013 from 1,981 (2012) to 4,847 (2013). Demand for BRCA1/2 testing almost doubled and there were also many more enquiries for risk reducing mastectomy. Internal review shows that there was no increase in inappropriate referrals," health officials stated, in a news release.

What's now referred to as the "Angelina effect" was also seen in October 2013 when researchers reported a two-fold increase regarding the number over previous years.

Health officials are continuing to raise cancer awareness regarding the procedure and breast cancer checks, in general.