Angelina Jolie's double mastectomy as a preventative measure against breast cancer has sparked worldwide change.
The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London, have created a research program named Mainstreaming Cancer Genetics in hopes of granting patients like Jolie similar options by using genetic analysis.
The $4 million (2.7 million pounds) project hopes to discover new ways to test cancer genes for a larger population by using the TruSight test which can analyze 97 cancer predispositions within week.
Despite the new research program being announced in the wake of Jolie's double mastectomy, Wellcome Trust, who funds for the program, have denied reports of Jolie's decision as responsible for the implementation of the program.
"What we're trying to do here is develop a processes that will allow comprehensive and systematic use of genetic information in cancer medicine so that more people will be able to benefit from the types of information and situations we were hearing about last week," Nazeen Rahman, head of ICR genetics and leader of the project, said.
Although Jolie is not being credited for the new program, her celebrity has raised awareness that preventative measures despite genetics is obtainable. The new program may be granted the exposure needed to assist those interested.
"It is very important to know if a mutation in a person's genetic blueprint has caused their cancer," Rahman said. "It allows more personalized treatment, so for example such people are often at risk of getting another cancer and may choose to have more comprehensive surgery, or may need different medicines, or extra monitoring."
The program will be offered to women with breast or ovarian cancer for the beginning stages. According to Reuters, there's been a decline in cost for gene testing which may lead to an increase in demand.
