How SCOTUS Could Make Breast Cancer Gene Testing More Affordable

[Tx4obama]

Angelina Jolie's Breast Cancer-Preventing Move May Be Too Costly For Most Women

Towards the end of her widely read New York Times op-ed detailing her decision to get a preventative double mastectomy and lower her risk of breast cancer, Angelina Jolie noted something significant: Many American women can't afford to take the genetic test for the breast cancer gene. At $3,000, Jolie writes, the cost of testing "remains an obstacle for many women."

The 37-year-old actress does not mention why that test is so expensive. The primary reason: A Salt Lake City, Utah-based biotech company called Myriad Genetics holds a patent on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The company’s main product, BRACAnalysis, tests for a mutation in those genes that comes with a high risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

Myriad’s patent on the genes is being challenged in the Supreme Court by organizations that claim the company’s patent is hampering scientific research. In addition, the patent essentially gives the company a monopoly on the tests, meaning patients have nowhere else to go for a second opinion.

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Full article here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/14/angelina-jolie-breast-cancer_n_3273594.html

[Tarheel_Dem]

1. I'm glad to hear that Jolie recognizes this is a cost prohibitive procedure for many women. I.....

think she's a good caring soul, unlike her asshole father.

[loyalsister]

2. Same here

I'm hope that conversation gets more publicity once the outrage over her choice to have her breasts removed dies down.

[Tarheel_Dem]

3. Exactly. I'd like to think if I were told I had an 87% chance of developing breast cancer, that....

I could be brave enough to make this choice, and every woman should be in a position to do so, and not have to worry about cost. We can't even get people to rationally discuss the lifesaving benefits of Planned Parenthood, and I don't expect this debate to be any different, even when "the outrage dies down". Let's face it, some people get off on being constantly "outraged" about something. Anything.