I am writing not as a representative of Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (TASMC/Ichilov) and not as a doctor of biology, but as a woman.
As expressed by many others, Angelina Jolie’s recent decision to have a double mastectomy did not leave me indifferent. Not because of her mastectomy, which affected such a sensitive and feminine part of her body, and not because of what her physical form represented. Rather, because Jolie discussed her condition so bravely with the public.
Because of her decision, I feel strong enough to admit that a few years ago I, too, chose to know and to take personal responsibility, and thus had myself checked to see whether I was a carrier of mutations in either BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which are known to increase the incidence of breast and ovarian cancer.
My decision to get tested was motivated by the knowledge that these mutations are common among women of Jewish Ashkenazi descent, and also due to my family history of breast cancer (I had these tests performed at the Genetic Institute at TASMC/Ichilov, long before becoming Sourasky Medical Center’s representative in the U.S.). I distinctly remember that my mother did not want to have these tests performed, preferring not to know, but I felt to the contrary.
After my blood was drawn, there were long days of silence while I waited to receive the results, with many thoughts going through my mind. It was not easy, with time standing still, giving me room to contemplate with dire seriousness what to make of the results, whatever they would portend. Luckily, my test results came back negative for both gene mutations.
However, it is important to note that other gene mutations may possibly exist, which could increase the incidence of hereditary breast cancer even in those without mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
Jolie’s decision inspires me as a woman — a woman who truly cares that other women take responsibility for their health by choosing to act, to accept change and to make a difference. Lately, I am seeing more and more women, such as Angelina Jolie and Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg (author of “Lean In”), deciding to take action: women who are not ashamed to use their voice, who believe in their choices, who inspire.
To me, it appears that we are experiencing a true “Women’s Revolution.” Right before our eyes, in just a few short decades, we have seen a transition from a time when women were deprived of their rights, to a time when women are occupying senior corporate positions, founding companies, choosing their own paths and still caring deeply about the status of women in society.
And yet, despite their unrelenting assertiveness, these powerful women have not diminished the importance of maintaining their impeccable feminine appearance. This may, in fact, be the essence of the true Women’s Revolu-tion: Be strong, take action, make a difference, and choose a direction that you believe in. But do so as a woman with pride, knowing that you bring to the table a vivid spectrum of qualities that only women can bring.
Angelina Jolie is a true role model, not only because she is arguably the most beautiful woman in the world, but primarily because she made a brave, bold and noble decision. By choosing to have a double mastectomy, she brought the deadly important issue of breast cancer to the forefront of public awareness, which will help save many lives and will give many others strength, inspiration and hope.
I would like to believe that if I were Angelina Jolie, I would act as she did, certainly with respect to her medical decision, but more so with respect to her decision to go public.
Karin Weiner-Lachmi, Ph.D., is a life sciences entrepreneur and scientist based in Silicon Valley. She is the founder and chief science officer of DynamicBio, Inc. and the U.S. director of development for Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. Weiner earned her Ph.D. in gene therapy related to brain and breast cancer at Tel Aviv University.