Referrals to breast cancer clinics more than doubled due to 'Angelina Jolie effect'

Angelina Jolie revealed in May 2013 that she underwent a double mastectomy to cut her risk of developing breast cancer.

17:40 19 September 2014

Research has found that more and more women are now getting advice from breast cancer clinics after Angelina Jolie admitted in May of last year that she had a double mastectomy.

A team led by Prof Gareth Evans of the University of Manchester, said: "The Angelina Jolie effect has been long-lasting and global, and appears to have increased referrals to centres appropriately.”

The researchers looked at referrals to more than 20 genetic centres and clinics in the UK since May 2013.

"Angelina Jolie stating she has a BRCA1 mutation and going on to have a risk-reducing mastectomy is likely to have had a bigger impact than other celebrity announcements, possibly due to her image as a glamorous and strong woman," said Prof Evans.

"This may have lessened patients' fears about a loss of sexual identity post-preventative surgery and encouraged those who had not previously engaged with health services to consider genetic testing."

Baroness Delyth Morgan, the chief executive at Breast Cancer Campaign, recognised Jolie’s contribution to creating awareness.

"Without Angelina Jolie's openness in talking about her BRCA1 mutation and decision to have a risk-reducing mastectomy, followed by the publication and publicity around the updated NICE guidelines soon after, many women may not have approached health services and so would never have had their risk and risk-reducing options explained," she said.