The cover story in this week’s issue of People talks about Angelina Jolie’s “Brave Choice.” 

The magazine might have been talking about her prophylactic mastectomy, but her decision to go public with her decision was just as brave…..and unbelievably important for women worldwide. In fact, one woman wrote to me on a message board that while she doesn’t necessarily like Angelina Jolie, she thanks her because she had never even heard of the BRCA mutations until last week. I know she’s not alone.

However, while I’ve been overwhelmed by the media attention breast cancer risk (BRCA and otherwise) and previvors have gotten in the past two weeks, it makes me sad that it took a celebrity’s announcement to bring these issues into the spotlight. Of course, I understand that’s the way our world works, but these issues are far too important for women to know about. Angelina’s announcement will save lives, but I think about all the women who didn’t know about their breast cancer risk until it was too late.

Certainly, organizations like Bright Pink and FORCE have done so much to educate people about previvors and the many options they have to protect themselves. But never before has this subject graced the cover of Time, People, and countless other publications in the same week. It has never been the lead story on so many news programs at once. It unfortunately took star power for that to happen.

I know the news cycle is a brief one. And Angelina’s news won’t be so big soon enough. But we REALLY need to continue this dialogue, regardless of which actress, model, politician, or athlete happens to be facing her risk. The vast majority of previvors—many of whom I call my friends— are not famous. But they are equally as brave and they, too, have stories to tell. We all need to listen.

With Angelina Jolie’s big announcement and all the media attention surrounding BRCA and preventative mastectomy, maybe you’re wondering if you or someone you love is a previvor (a person who hasn’t had cancer but has a high risk for developing it.) The truth is, most people don’t know that they are. For instance, though about 1/500 men and women have a BRCA mutation, less than 10% of people know that they do. (Note: The rate among certain populations is much higher—for instance, 1/40 Ashkenazi Jews have a BRCA mutation.)

Here’s how you can determine if you’re a previvor:

1. Know your family history. In most cases, a previvor’s risk starts with family history. So it’s crucial that you learn your family history on both sides of your family. Your father’s side of the family counts as much as your mother’s side. Going back as far as you can, find out about any family members who battled cancer and the ages they were diagnosed.

2. Watch for red flags. Are there more than two cases of cancer on the same side of the family? Is there any ovarian cancer or male breast cancer in your family? Have any relatives been diagnosed in their 40s or younger? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might have a hereditary risk for breast cancer.

3. Learn your other risk factors. For instance, have you had any abnormal breast biopsy results? Do you have dense breasts, which is something your doctor can help you determine? Or have you taken hormone replacement therapy? These factors can all increase your risk for breast cancer.

4. Keep an open dialogue with your doctor. If you think you might be at risk, tell your doctor about your family history and other risk factors, and discuss what steps you should take. You should also consider seeing a genetics counselor, who can really help you understand your risk, discuss whether or not you should undergo genetic testing, and highlight the pros and cons of all of your options based on your results. The National Society of Genetic Counselors can help you find an expert in your area.

5. Remember, you’re not alone. Check out organizations such as FORCE and Bright Pink. They’ll both provide you with the latest research on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. And they have message boards and other networking opportunities where you can speak with women who completely understand what you’re going through.

As an advocate for previvors and a friend to so many of them, I was beyond thrilled by Angelina Jolie’s announcement yesterday that she, too, is a previvor. Her candidness did so much for high risk women in just one day—people all over the world started learning about what it means to have a BRCA mutation as well as the options previvors face. She has educated so many and  has thrown this important issue directly into the spotlight.

While her decision to have a prophylactic mastectomy was very personal, I have somewhat of a sense of her thought process because the women in my book, Previvors, faced the same issues she faced. Especially since Angelina Jolie is a mother like they all are.

Here’s an idea of what she might have been thinking.