Recently, a high profile celebrity and breast cancer survivor (Melissa Etheridge), implied that genes increasing breast cancer risk could be obstructed by a healthy diet.  Melissa said “I have the BRCA2 gene but don’t encourage women to get tested. Genes can be turned on and off.  I turned my gene on with my very poor diet.”

Well….experts in the field of breast cancer and genetic testing hit the roof.  Not only was this comment misleading, it was potentially influential due to this culture’s certainty that celebrity equals correctness.  Also, from our point of view, the suggestion that women shouldn’t have genetic testing is  way off the mark.  Genetic testing is one of the best tools we have to inform women of their most significant choices.  Celebrity brings with it extra responsibility, and as consumers we too have the extra responsibility  to check out all health recommendations.

The BRCA genes are not amenable to modification from diet.  If you carry these genes, (a strong family history of multiple breast cancers), there is an 87% lifetime risk. Angelina Jolie was tested, and made her choices based on feedback from genetic testing.  Any woman who is concerned should be tested, and make her decisions accordingly.

Can nutrition and environment impact the expression of cancer?  We think so.  But this area isn’t understood well enough to forgo testing options that give pertinent information about general health, and the potential in some instances of  a breast cancer diagnosis.

This entry was posted in Breast Health on January 19, 2015 by Leslie Jacobson.