The ‘Angelina Jolie effect’ sees breast checks double, Study

Recent studies have shown actress Angelina Jolie had an immediate impact on women after revealing she had undergone a preventative double mastectomy.

The study, published in the journal Breast Cancer Research, found that more than 4,800 referrals were made to medical clinics that specialize in treating women with a family history of breast cancer in the two months after Jolie’s announcement. That figure is more than double the 1,900 from before her announcement, a phenomenon referred to as the “Angelina Effect.”

Additionally, testing for BRCA genes doubled for six months following the news of Jolie’s decision.

The researchers noted that the referrals were appropriate and not due to excess worry.

Other studies have noted a similar impact of Jolie’s announcement, finding that it led to a surge in breast cancer referrals and BRCA testing.

Agencies/Canadajournal