What is the 'Jolie effect'?

The 'Jolie effect' refers to the surge in awareness and demand for genetic testing and risk-reducing mastectomies that followed Angelina Jolie's 2013 revelation that she had undergone the procedure after testing positive for the BRCA1 mutation.

How does the proposed change to NHS guidelines affect women's access to risk-reducing mastectomies?

Experts are proposing to lower the threshold for accessing a mastectomy, meaning women over 30 with a 35% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer would be offered the operation. This could prevent up to 6,500 new cases each year.

What are the main concerns around increasing access to risk-reducing mastectomies?

Some experts argue that the procedure can trigger complications, affect a woman's sense of femininity, and may not significantly reduce breast cancer deaths. They suggest the NHS should instead focus on moving away from mastectomies as a preventative measure.

Home / Health / Mastectomies on the Rise: Women Opt for Preventative Surgery to Avoid Breast Cancer

Mastectomies on the Rise: Women Opt for Preventative Surgery to Avoid Breast Cancer

3 Aug

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Summary

Angelina Jolie's decision to undergo risk-reducing mastectomy sparked 'Jolie effect'
Experts propose lowering threshold for mastectomy to women with 35% lifetime risk
Procedure lowers breast cancer risk by up to 95% but comes with physical, emotional toll

Mastectomies on the Rise: Women Opt for Preventative Surgery to Avoid Breast Cancer

As of August 2025, the debate around risk-reducing mastectomies continues to intensify. The procedure, once considered a last resort, has gained significant attention in recent years, particularly after Hollywood star Angelina Jolie's decision to undergo the surgery.

Jolie's revelation in 2013 that she carried the BRCA1 mutation and had a high risk of developing breast cancer sparked a surge in awareness, known as the 'Jolie effect.' In the year following her announcement, the number of women referred for genetic testing in the UK doubled, and clinics reported a rise in risk-reducing mastectomies.

Now, experts are proposing that the NHS should explore expanding access to the procedure, suggesting it should be offered to as many as 20,000 women annually. The aim is to reduce the number of new breast cancer cases, giving more women the opportunity to take preventative action before the disease can take hold.

However, the proposal has come under fire from some experts who argue that the NHS should move away from mastectomies, as the procedure can trigger a range of complications, including life-threatening infections and chronic pain. They also suggest that carrying out more of them would not meaningfully reduce breast cancer deaths.

Despite the concerns, some women, like 27-year-old Grace Burton, have chosen to undergo the procedure. Grace, who carries the BRCA1 mutation, decided to have a risk-reducing mastectomy after her mother and aunt were both diagnosed with breast cancer. While she has faced physical and emotional challenges, Grace says she has no regrets about her decision.

As the debate continues, the impact of Angelina Jolie's decision remains undeniable. Her openness about her own experience has inspired thousands of women worldwide to take action and prioritize their health, even if it means undergoing a procedure that some experts describe as 'medieval' and 'mutilating.'

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.