Extracting DNA from breast cancer patients. These Christchurch geneticists have just finished a four-year study analysing the genes of 367 women. Of those individuals where we found a genetic change or a genetic variant which increases risk of disease significantly, only half had undergone genetic screening, says Christchurch geneticist Professor Logan Walker.
This type of genetic screening isn t offered to all breast cancer patients - but this new study suggests they should be given the option. Our study suggests that there are a number of people who are particularly vulnerable and have a predisposition to developing cancer and we have the potential to identify these individuals and intervene and they can get tailored prevention, Prof Walker says.
you ll receive an e-mail when your sample has been received at the lab and another e-mail when your results are ready. reporter: the new test just $249. many other tests for the brca gene ten times more expensive and often not covered by insurance. it s the kind of access jolie has pushed for, triggering the angelina effect, an avalanche of interest in genetic testing. the star telling george stephanopoulos even she was surprised. i was stunned that the discussion broadened and that doctors were telling me how it helped the issue and more women were getting tested. also a true break through in how doctors interpret test results. a new database comparing samples from women all over the world. we now have a tsunami of new data that can be harnessed in a really positive way by combining these data globally, we can improve the accuracy of genetic testing. reporter: meaning like angelina jolie, more women will now learn whether they face a heightened risk of breast and
carries a genetic mutation which increases the odds of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. she is being applauded for shining a light on a normally taboo subject and for empowering women to seek genetic testing and being more informed. it s called the angelina effect. what are the real world consequences of such a public figure taking on and talking about an issue of women to women of varying backgrounds. joining me irin car moan dr. althea maybank and jennifer bronschweiger, who is deputy editor of more magazine. i actually wanting to start with you, jennifer. i m wondering what more has been hearing from your readers since jolie came out. what they re saying about