Vivere con la mutazione genetica BRCA: implicazioni psicosociali e percezione del rischio di cancro

Scientific advances and new technologies in the field of genetic urge the deepening of the psychological effects that individual and family genetic diagnosis necessarily entails. The increased perception of being at risk of getting cancer as a result of the BRCA genetic test results to define a particular emotional state related to lifestyle choices possible and to live with a perception of high risk of cancer. Many authors argue that will arise more and more frequently psychological issues related to genetic diagnosis. This work illustrates the state of the literature on the particular psychological condition experienced by the individual in relation to the risk of hereditary cancer. It will be considered the recent case of Angelina Jolie that making public its genetic diagnosis, has explained the psychological implications and decision she lived. Living with BRCA1/2 mutation is, in fact, a challenge for the individual and for society in facing the new diagnostic tools, together with the old fear of the disease and the possibility to counter it.