Special Screening of Cancer Film Starring Helen Hunt Highlights Search for Genetic Link and Story of Survival

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., May 13, 2014  /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Muvico Sundial 19 in Saint Petersburg will be showing a special, one-time-only screening of "Decoding Annie Parker," a film based on the true stories of breast cancer survivor Annie Parker and geneticist Dr. Mary-Claire King, at 5 p.m. on May 14 during National Women's Health Week.

"Decoding Annie Parker" highlights Annie Parker's struggle with breast cancer, the disease that took her mother and sister; and Dr. Mary-Claire King's fight to identify the genetic mutations responsible. Annie Parker faces her challenge with hope and an irreverent sense of humor, demonstrating courage and perseverance.

"The film depicts a historic scientific breakthrough, but also shows how that breakthrough impacted one family and one individual," said Dr. Sue Friedman, the executive director of FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered). "It is equal parts humor, entertainment, and education." 

To expand on the educational qualities of the film, St. Petersburg-based InformedDNA has arranged an expert panel for a Q-and-A session following the movie to address questions on historical significance of the discovery of the gene mutation. Additionally, panelists will address the importance of genetic testing and counseling for those who may be at risk for hereditary cancers.

Others serving on the panel include Rebecca Sutphen, MD, FACMG, president and chief medical officer at InformedDNA and a professor at the University of South Florida and Jana Pruski-Clark, MPH, MS, CGC, the cancer genetic counseling team leader at InformedDNA.

"I hope viewers will walk away with two things from this event," said Friedman, "they'll know that if they need information about hereditary cancer or genetic testing, to see a genetic counselor. If they need support, research, or resources about hereditary breast or ovarian cancer, they'll know they can rely on FORCE."

Anyone can purchase a ticket for $10.50 at http://gathr.us/screening/7833. Tickets must be purchased online in advance, they will not be available at the theater.

The film stars Samantha Morton as Annie Parker, Helen Hunt as Dr. Mary-Claire King, and Aaron Paul as Paul, Annie Parker's husband.

Last year, "Decoding Annie Parker" was awarded the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Feature Film Prize in Science and Technology and Samantha Morton was awarded the Best Actress Golden Space Needle Award at the Seattle International Film Festival.  The movie has also been nominated for seven different awards at the Milan International Film Festival.

About InformedDNA

InformedDNA brings the promise of personalized healthcare to life by helping individuals and healthcare providers better understand family health history and genetics. InformedDNA is the authority on the appropriate use of genetic testing – leveraging the expertise of the largest network of independent genetic specialists to help ensure health plans, hospitals, employers, community clinicians and patients all have access to the highest quality genetic services. InformedDNA's key offerings include clinical genetic counseling, genetic testing utilization management and personalized hereditary risk assessment and prevention solutions. www.informeddna.com

SOURCE InformedDNA