tracing the breast cancer genes through history, science, and one family tree Stark, Lizzie creator author text bibliography biography Print books. ilu [2014] 2014 First edition monographic eng

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324 pages : genealogical table ; 24 cm Would you cut out your healthy breasts and ovaries if you thought it might save your life? That's not a theoretical question for journalist Lizzie Stark's relatives, who grapple with the horrific legacy of cancer built into the family DNA, a BRCA mutation that has robbed most of her female relatives of breasts, ovaries, peace of mind, or life itself. In Pandora's DNA, Stark uses her family's experience to frame a larger story about the so-called breast cancer genes, exploring the morass of legal quandaries, scientific developments, medical breakthroughs, and ethical concerns that surround the BRCA mutations. She tells of the troubling history of prophylactic surgery and the storied origins of the boob job and relates the landmark lawsuit against Myriad Genetics, which held patents on the BRCA genes every human carries in their body until the Supreme Court overturned them in 2013. Although a genetic test for cancer risk may sound like the height of scientific development, the treatment remains crude and barbaric. Through her own experience, Stark shows what it's like to live in a brave new world where gazing into a crystal ball of genetics has many unintended consequences The ham speaks for itself -- "It's everywhere" -- Gene hunters -- Myriad's monopoly -- Positive -- Watchful waiting -- A tale of too many mastectomies -- The black cloud -- Barbie girls -- Captain Kirk and Doctor Spock -- Ta-ta to tatas -- Heffalumpless -- Through the looking glass Lizzie Stark Includes bibliographical references (pages 279-316) and index n-us--- Stark, Lizzie Health Stark, Lizzie BRCA genes Mastectomy Patients United States Biography Breast Cancer Genetic aspects Breast Neoplasms prevention & control Personal Narratives Mastectomy Personal Narratives Breast Neoplasms history Mastectomy history Genetic Testing Personal Narratives Genetic Testing history Genetic Predisposition to Disease Personal Narratives BRCA1 Protein Personal Narratives BRCA1 Protein history BRCA2 Protein Personal Narratives BRCA2 Protein history RD667.5 .S73 2014 Stark, Lizzie. Chicago : Chicago Review Press, 2014 (OCoLC)890072221 9781613748602 2014018310 DLC 140516 20161026152118.0 880521068 eng