Thank you, Angelina

Dear Ms. Jolie,

Thank you for your bravery and leadership in the battle against breast cancer.  In a small way, through my patients, I understand the challenge and pain it took not only to undergo prophylactic mastectomies, because you carry the BRCA1 cancer gene, but also to reveal this deeply personal part of your life to the world (NYT, 5/14/13; My Medical Choice).   You had no obligation to open your soul; your selfless act leaves those of us that treat the dread disease, in awe.

Your action will save more lives than all the patients I could help, even if I were to practice oncology for hundreds of years.  By opening up the conversation, by educating and by boldly stating that beauty, strength and health are possible, even when radical choices are made, you open up life saving opportunities for many.  Mastectomies may not be the answer for all women, but the very idea that cancer can be prevented, instead of simply waiting in fear, is earth shattering.

Women and men will now better understand the genetic risks for cancer, be exposed to the different options which are available in the prevention of cancer and know that it is possible, whatever path is taken, to continue with full lives.  You have made it easier for patients, their families and physicians to have vital discussions.

The announcement of your surgery coincides with a critical legal battle, the deliberations of the United States Supreme Court regarding BRCA genetic testing. You have put pressure on the Court to find against Myriad Genetics Corporation in the company’s attempt to protect their expensive monopoly of the breast cancer genetic assay. Thus, the Court will have the opportunity to reduce the cost of testing, which as you note, can run thousands of dollars per patient.

Your action changes the war against breast cancer. You have prevented the suffering of thousands and given them the opportunity to go on with life and be part of what is truly important, families and communities.

Thank you for your remarkable sacrifice.

Humbly,

James C. Salwitz, MD

6 Comments

  • A stunning response to today's news about Angelina Jolie's brave decision. Dr. Salwitz, I applaud your commitment, advocacy, and eloquence.
  • Debbie
    Ditto!
  • Zibdy
    When we started ZibdyHealth almost 3 years back, it was to track treatment for our college buddy and roommate, who had been diagnosed with kidney cancer. We wanted his immediate family - both present and future generations - to have this information in case they need it. He lost his battle with cancer but we decided to share this platform with everyone so that others can benefit. Today, Angelina Jolie has put spotlight on one of the most important issue in our health - our family medical history. The combination of her mother's death due to breast cancer at the age of 57 and presence of BRCA1 gene in her own genome increased her breast cancer risk factor over 85%. She took preventive steps! We need to know our family medical history details because it helps us identify best treatments for us and take preventive measures. ZibdyHealth makes creating a map of your own and family medical history possible.
    • James Salwitz, MD
      Thank you for your comment. The use of routine genetic mapping in healthy individuals while still experimental is an exciting area of research and exploration. Jcs
  • Maria
    Ditto to Janice's comment!
  • James Salwitz, MD
    An interesting and related article by Adam Bitterman, on KevinMD; http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/12/doctors-hollywood.html

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