Regina Brett to Angelina Jolie: Crazy Smart

Angelina Jolie

PD & former BJ columnist Regina Brett, who had both her breasts removed to substantially reduce her risk of cancer, applauds actress Angelina Jolie's decision to do the same thing as "crazy smart."

Regina and her daughter Gabrielle had both their breasts removed. So did Regina's sister, Patricia. Angelina opted for reconstructive breast surgery. Regina instead got prostethetic breasts that fit into her bra. Her daughter did neither.

All four women have a gene that means they have an 87% chance of developing breast cancer. Removing their breasts reduces the chances to 5%. 

To read Regina's PD column about her reaction to Angelina's decision, click on  http://www.cleveland.com/brett/blog/index.ssf/2013/05/angelina_jolies_decision_to_ha.html

It wasn't mentioned by Regina or in Angelina stories, but it should be: 99% of women don't have the BRCA1 mutation that both women have. So breast removal is an unnecessary action for all but 1% of women.

To read about the 99%, click on http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/17/opinion/welch-jolie-mastectomy/?iref=obnetwork