Unfounded Fear, Social Conditioning & the BRCA Gene Scheme

The Truth Behind The News

Susanne Posel
Occupy Corporatism
September 18, 2013

Researchers for the Dana-Faber Cancer Institute (DFCI) have found that more young women are opting to have a contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) as soon as they receive a diagnosis of cancer despite knowing that having this procedure will not improve their chances of survival.

The study is entitled, “Perceptions, Knowledge, and Satisfaction With Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy Among Young Women With Breast Cancer: A Cross-sectional Survey” and shows that there is a dramatic increase in having the CPM procedure is measureable in younger breast cancer patients.

Shoshana Rosenberg, lead researcher for the study, collected data from a survey distributed to 123 participatns. Women who were under 40 years old and who had a double mastectomy despite only having been diagnosed in one breast were targeted.

The responses showed that 94% of women surveyed chose to have a double mastectomy because they wanted to improve their chances of survival by preventing the cancer from spreading.

This social conditioning superseded the knowledge all participants had that this procedure would not increase their chances of survival.

This fact was more evidence in those participants who did not have a genetic predisposition toward developing breast cancer.

Rosenberg explained : “The results of the survey reveal that many patients make the decision to undergo the procedure with an unrealistic understanding of the benefits and risks of CPM. Improving the communication of those risks and benefits – together with better management of anxiety surrounding diagnosis – and providing patients with the support they need to make decisions based on solid evidence – are worthwhile steps.”

In addition, the survey showed that many participants remarked that “the effect the procedure had on their appearance was worse than what they had anticipated.”

Rosenberg points out that this study exposes how influential doctor’s opinion are on their patients with regard to medical procedures that are unnecessary and costly.

Rosenberg said: “We need to be sure that women are making informed decisions, supported decisions, based on an accurate understanding of the pros and cons of the procedure, and in a setting where anxiety and concerns can be addressed.”

Furthermore, the study points out that the craze over the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes is more about social coercion than live-saving medical procedures.

In May of this year, Angelina Jolie came forward in an op-ed piece in mainstream media to let the world know that because she was diagnosed with the BRCA1 gene, she chose to have a double mastectomy.

Jolie explained her decision: “Once I knew that this was my reality, I decided to be proactive and to minimize the risk as much I could. I made a decision to have a preventive double mastectomy. My chances of developing breast cancer have dropped from 87 percent to under 5 percent.”

Jolie continued : “On a personal note, I do not feel any less of a woman. I feel empowered that I made a strong choice that in no way diminishes my femininity. I am fortunate to have a partner, Brad Pitt, who is so loving and supportive.”

In addition, Jolie plans to have a full hysterectomy preformed to further reduce her statistical likelihood of contracting cancer. Jolie said that before she turns 40, she will have the procedure done to completely sterilize herself in the name of preventing cancer.

A little understood fact is every human is born with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes given to us by our mother and father. What scientists call “mutations” increase the possibility of cancer – either ovarian or breast – and the thought is that if the patient undergoes a hysterectomy or mastectomy than the possibility is reduced.

After Jolie opened the door, Kyle Richards, member of the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills tweeted that she will follow in Angelina Jolie’s footsteps and have a double mastectomy to reduce her chances of developing breast cancer.

Richards’ posting said: “I lost my Mom to Breast cancer & am embarrassed to admit that I’ve been too scared to get tested … I feel differently today #AngelinaJolie.”

Shortly after Jolie’s announcement, Rebecca Brewer took her Facebook page to post: “Looks like I have so many things in common with Angelina! Married to a hot hunk, adopted beautiful children and the dreaded BRCA1 gene. … My mom is a breast cancer survivor and is BRCA1 positive. My sister and I are too. I had a hysterectomy in March and have (a double) mastectomy scheduled in June. Scared as hell but thankful I can make an informed decision.”

Martin Gore, professor and medical director at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation commented that patients are demanding their genetic information to be analyzed.

Gore stated: “There is no point in pretending that patients do not want to know and be hidden from what we might find out.

Stated on the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) website concerning the BRCA 1 & 2 genes, “Not all gene changes, or mutations, are deleterious (harmful). Some mutations may be beneficial, whereas others may have no obvious effect (neutral).”

Further, the NCI clearly explains: “Not every woman in such families carries a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, and not every cancer in such families is linked to a harmful mutation in one of these genes. Furthermore, not every woman who has a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation will develop breast and/or ovarian cancer.”

There are factors such as lifestyle, nutrition and other environmental factors that play into the development of cancer. One such culprit is parabens.

When biopsies of breast tumors are researched, it is found that they contain 99% parabens.

This chemical is found in food, packaging and healthcare products.

Indeed, a recent study conducted by researchers at the New York State Department of Health in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Health Services and the University of New York at Albany found that there is an alarming amount of parabens in the US food supply which has drastically increased the propensity of the public to develop cancer – with an emphasis on breast cancer.

When random food samples were taken from various local grocery stores, 90% of the samples dangerously high levels of parabens were detected. Those found were:

• Butyl-parabens
• Benzyl-parabens
• Propyl-parabens
• Methyl-parabens
• Ethyl-parabens

These deadly chemicals were discovered in:

• Juices
• Soft drinks
• Seafood
• Chicken
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Breads
• Baked goods

Common every day products such as deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, cosmetics, baby formula all contain parabens which have been linked to the development of cancer.

Deodorant and antiperspirants cause breast cancer through the sweat glands and located in the upper areas of the breast.

The post Unfounded Fear, Social Conditioning & the BRCA Gene Scheme appeared first on Susanne Posel.

Source: http://www.occupycorporatism.com/unfounded-fear-social-conditioning-the-brca-gene-scheme/