Angelina Jolie’s essay about her choice to undergo a double mastectomy upon learning of her genetic risk was brave and generous. She writes straightforwardly, without a trace of self-pity, about her decision, which was obviously fraught and difficult on many levels. What rings through loudest is her commitment to her children, to be alive for them many years into the future.

That someone of her stature and visibility volunteers the information about her decision may remove some of the fear and stigma women might associate with such a dilemma. She has my admiration and gratitude for her courage and honesty.
It is very important for women to think about what they will do with the information they receive if they have the BRCA test to determine if they carry the gene that increases their risk of getting breast and ovarian cancer.

Though not knowing one’s genetic fate creates tremendous anxiety for any woman who has lost a close relative to breast cancer, knowing creates another dilemma: can she live without her breasts? If she can’t, then she must decide if knowing is better than not knowing.

DEBRA KUPPERSMITH

Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., May 14, 2013

The writer is a psychoanalyst.

To the Editor:

I admire Angelina Jolie, and think it’s great that she’s encouraging other women to get the test. But let’s not forget that about 50 million people don’t have health insurance, and the .