Annie Parker Decoded

Based on true events, Annie Parker Decoded tells the story of two remarkable women; the irrepressible Annie Parker, a three-time cancer survivor and the geneticist Mary-Claire King whose discovery of the breast cancer BRCA1 gene mutation is considered one of the most important discoveries of the 20t [...]
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Based on true events, Annie Parker Decoded tells the story of two remarkable women; the irrepressible Annie Parker, a three-time cancer survivor and the geneticist Mary-Claire King whose discovery of the breast cancer BRCA1 gene mutation is considered one of the most important discoveries of the 20th century. Annie Parker lost her mother to cancer when she was only 14 years old. Twelve years later, her sister Joan, also died from the same disease. Annie's doctors told her it was "just bad luck". She didn't believe them. Annie became convinced that there had to be a genetic link for certain types of cancer. She was convinced that she, too, would get cancer. She did. In 1980, she developed breast cancer, had a mastectomy and survived. In 1988, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer. Annie had more surgery, followed by chemotherapy. She survived. Meanwhile, Dr Mary-Claire King, a research geneticist discovered the gene that is responsible for many breast and ovarian cancers: BRCA1. Her discovery was revolutionary, and we now know that as many as 5 to 10 per cent of all breast cancers may be hereditary.In 1994, Annie Parker became one of the first women in North America to be tested for the BRCA1 gene mutation. Her results were positive for the deadly gene. Annie developed cancer again in 2006 and underwent another operation, followed by more chemotherapy. She survived. Annie's story, and that of Dr Mary-Claire King, inspired film-maker Steve Bernstein to write and direct Decoding Annie Parker, a multi-award-winning film starring Academy Award-winner Helen Hunt, Academy Award-nominee Samantha Morton, and Emmy Award winner Aaron Paul, star of the global smash-hit TV show, Breaking Bad. Decoding Annie Parker will be released in the UK in September.