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Lizzie Stark

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Pandora's DNA: Tracing the Breast Cancer Genes Through History, Science, and One Family Tree Hardcover – Oct. 1 2014

by Lizzie Stark (Author)

4.1 48 ratings

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2015 ALA Notable Book

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, from the troubling history of prophylactic surgery and the storied origins of the boob job to 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.

Print length

336 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Chicago Review Press
Publication date

Oct. 1 2014
Dimensions

15.24 x 3.18 x 24.13 cm
ISBN-10

1613748604
ISBN-13

978-1613748602
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Victor Montori M.D.
21
Paperback
$19.99

Product description

Review

"An extraordinary book, written with passion and compassion, Pandora's DNA illuminates a new world of science and medicine." —Siddhartha Mukherjee, oncologist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer

“Lizzie Stark writes with intelligence, wit, and bracing honesty about the wrenching ambiguities of genetic medicine.” —Dan Fagin, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation

“Stunning. I couldn’t put this book down. A must-read for any woman affected by this disease to learn her true risk, and especially for those women who believe they are unaffected by breast cancer. Lizzie Stark beautifully weaves her family’s personal narrative with untold, fascinating historic reporting. The emotional impact is a wallop. Although there is unbelievable sadness and tragedy in her family experiences, Lizzie’s story gives hope for a different future. Lizzie is my new hero.” —Geralyn Lucas, nineteen-year breast cancer survivor and author of Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy and Then Came Life: Living with Courage, Spirit and Gratitude After Breast Cancer

“With incisive wit and a reporter’s poke at the jugular, Stark delivers the goods on this disease that though now much discussed still creates anguish in most of us. For every collection.” —Library Journal (starred review)

“The book is a must-read for women questioning whether to be tested for the BRCA mutations and for women considering their options after testing positive. A gutsy, deeply revealing account that more than fulfills the promise of the subtitle.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“With her remarkable memoir, Stark gives us medical history and personal testament that intelligently balances hard-edged science with boundless hope.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“This text is a must read for anyone interested in the history of medical research, for those interested in the intersection of science/medicine and public policy, and for anyone concerned about health issues that, while not solely limited to women, are situated most frequently in the female body.” —Vision Learning

“Stark writes stylishly and entertainingly about an all-too common experience and in-the-news topic.” —Booklist

“a frank recounting of [Stark’s] personal story, and an informative look at tracing the cancer gene in families…” —Quincy Herald-Whig

“I believe that every woman (and every man who cares about women) should read this book.” —Brookline Hub

About the Author

Lizzie Stark is the author of Leaving Mundania and a freelance journalist who has written for io9.com , The Today Show website, Psychology Today, The Daily Beast and the Philadelphia Inquirer. She holds an M.S. in New Media Journalism from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She founded and edited the literary journal Fringe.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Chicago Review Press; 1st edition (Oct. 1 2014)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1613748604
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1613748602
Item weight ‏ : ‎ 590 g
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.24 x 3.18 x 24.13 cm

Customer Reviews:
4.1 48 ratings

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Lizzie Stark

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Lizzie Stark is a participation designer and the author of three nonfiction books. The most recent, Egg: A Dozen Ovatures, provides an unconventional history of the world's largest cellular workhorse, from chickens and penguins to omelets and the clown copyright code. Her earlier books include Pandora’s DNA, about the history and science of the so-called "breast cancer genes," and Leaving Mundania, a deep dive in the world of larp.

Her writing has been featured in the Washington Post, the Daily Beast, i09, and the Philadelphia Inquirer, among other publications. She lives in Massachusetts.

Top reviews from other countries

Vintage Reviews

This Book Will Keep You Reading ... But ...

Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2015

Verified Purchase

I made it through this book but it took a while. Although I found this book informative and interesting most of the time I got bogged down with too much personal heresay and opinions which leaned political. (What does global warming have to do with BRCA?) I enjoyed the scientific study and research material until this got much too detailed and took too many chapters.I can just as easily find a lot of that information by googling the web or sharing with other BRCA carriers. I found the author's depression details and state of mind disappointing. This was the last thing I wanted to read me being BRCA1 positive myself with my own plethora of family members who have suffered thru breast and ovarian cancer before me. Readers need to be encouraged not brought to more discouragement by the thoughts of someone else having difficulties facing life as it is given. If you decide to read this I recommend you look for the high spots lest you find yourself getting as depressed, too. The author tended to do this much too often. It was the way she shared it, I think that was such a put down. I give the author a three and a half for her research, however, and her personal family memoirs she was able to share about sounded familiar, since I can relate to them. Her bathroom attempt at humor was a turn off for she should have known her audience better. When she put down some of the lab researchers I was really offended. If it wasn't for them, we would have no knowledge of the gene mutations out there and the advances that have been made through the discoveries. Anyway, that is my opinion. I recommended this book before I read it through. Just want my friends and family to be prepared for what they will read in places that I didn't agree with. To each his own. Shirley Kiger Connolly (BRCA1 Positive ... Previvor...POS, PBM, HBOC Syndrome.

2 people found this helpful

Karen Roberts

A very good discussion of breast cancer

Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2015

Verified Purchase

A very good discussion of breast cancer, especially breast cancer in families with an inherited gene which confers a high risk of early breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and even male breast cancer. The author is from such a family, and she tells the story of the family history as it moves through the generations. She grows up as scientists are discovering several of the genes responsible for these cancers. I very much enjoyed reading the history of the race to find the BRCA1 and BRCA 2 genes. How she weaves the history of early attempts at treatment of breast cancer, and the uncertainties women are faced with even today, with changing recommendations regarding mammograms, treatment of DCIS, or Stage 0 breast cancer, radical mastectomies versus simple mastectomies, versus lumpectomies. Her own personal wrenching decision making process regarding prophylactic mastectomies brings you into the world of agony family members with these genes face.
Interwoven is a limited history of medicine, but one revealing the arrogance frequently seen in those paternalistically treating those who suffer. There are heroes and quacks along the way.
Excellent read for those who wish to expand their knowledge of a sometimes deadly disease afflicting far too many women. I would especially recommend it for those who are from families with multiple breast and ovarian cancers, those considering being tested for the genes, and the people who love them.

2 people found this helpful

Seek

My wife and her breast cancer.

Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2015

Verified Purchase

I can relate to this book. My love-of-my-life had both of her breast removed at the onset of cancer. While recovering she developed a severe case Epstein–Barr virus which literally drained her. She was unable to get out of bed. Our doctor cured her, but shortly she began having other health issues that ER doctors could not determine and admitted her for a week of test. She ended-up in the hospital four times that year with the same results, nothing. I got to thinking that it had to be her breast implants. She went to a surgeon and had the implants removed. Her health improved but eight years later she developed cystic fibrosis. Both of us were non-smokers. She lived about 12 yrs. gradually getting worse, and on oxygen and finally bed ridden, and death. Pandora's DNA will give you an understanding of inheriting breast cancer and how this family handled it. My wife was initially self-consciences of having no breast, and depressed, she was thinking I would leave her. I had to convince her of my love and devotion. I enjoy reading medical research and how doctors trace cancer cells. You may enjoy reading the book too.

One person found this helpful

bgsbog

Pandora's DNA: One woman's experience with a BRCA mutation

Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2015

Verified Purchase

Stark is in the first cohort of women (along with Angelina Jolie) who are able to choose to test for the BRCA mutation. When Stark learns of her BRCA status, she then considers her treatment options: constant cancer screenings or preventative mastectomy and oopherectomy. Here, the author discusses her thought process as well as the published research as she comes to terms with her BRCA status and the health decisions she must make. Stark does an excellent job describing the research, especially considering she is not trained in science. Overall, I found the book both readable and informative; thus, it will be a useful read for a person whose family is affected by a BRCA mutation.

Athenany

Must-read for BRCA carriers and family, good read for others

Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2016

Verified Purchase

This is a really interesting book about a fascinating topic. Part family history, part popular history and part science, it will keep you reading and hold your interest throughout. If you or someone you know is affected by this nasty gene, it will resonate even more.

One person found this helpful

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