It's the week we've all been waiting for (and no, I’m not talking about this summer’s most anticipated wedding). The World Cup officially kicks off on Thursday. While I won’t walk to New Jersey for the subsequent festivities (and you shouldn’t either), I will happily make the much shorter trek to my local beer garden. Around here, it’s a family affair. My boys love soccer and wear their Christian Pulisic jerseys year-round, husband included — but now they have an excuse to double down. If you’re anything like me and have spent more time focused on the snacks that pair well with penalty shoot-outs than the actual teams, The New York Times has the CliffsNotes for you: all 48 teams, who to watch, and what to expect. This year’s tournament also features four World Cup debutants, proving it’s never too late. As for preparation, Norway's recent training session went viral as the team attempted to acclimate to the heat in the only way men know how. My own training camp consisted of taking CNN's World Cup quiz, where I learned that years of overhearing soccer debates at home have finally paid off. See you on the other side of the inevitable upset.
— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY
Health
A New(ish) Approach to Breast Cancer Risk
The prevention shift: It’s been over a decade since Angelina Jolie had a prophylactic double mastectomy at 37. This was after she learned she had the BRCA1 mutation, which significantly increased her risk of breast cancer. At the time, she shattered a taboo. Now many women with BRCA genes opt for similar surgeries, knowing they could reduce the odds of developing cancer by up to 95%. One surgeon told The Wall Street Journalthat close to 20% of his cases are now prophylactic. Other doctors say they see people make this choice at younger and younger ages. This comes as the rates of certain cancers are on the rise for folks under 50, with breast cancer rates in women under 45 climbing 1.1% every year for the decade leading up to 2022. Not exactly reassuring.
What’s behind the change: Genetic testing has become much more affordable, thanks in part to a Supreme Court decision that decided companies can’t patent human genes (yes, that was really a thing). Mastectomy and reconstructive technologies have also improved. Those changes, along with high-profile stories like Jolie’s, have led more people with BRCA mutations to choose bilateral risk-reducing mastectomies. However, doctors note that it’s not the only option. Some patients choose physical exams every six months, along with regular imaging, while others could opt for hormone therapy. Many prefer those less-invasive approaches, since mastectomies are major surgeries. Double mastectomies also eliminate the possibility of breastfeeding. Some experts worry social media increasingly pushes people toward one option over another. But in reality, the decision requires nuanced, individualized conversations with your doctors and genetic counselors.
