To reduce her breast cancer risk
Angelina Jolie has revealed she bravely underwent a preventative double mastectomy, to reduce her chances of getting breast cancer. Angelina was told she was at an 87% risk of contracting the disease, and since having her breast tissue removed has reduced her risk to 5%.
"I decided to be proactive and to minimise the risk as much I could," she wrote in a column for the New York Times.
In the column, she writes about her mother suffering with cancer for ten years.
"She held out long enough to meet the first of her grandchildren and to hold them in her arms. But my other children will never have the chance to know her and experience how loving and gracious she was."
Revealing that doctors have told her she's also stands at a 50% risk of ovarian cancer, Angelina goes on to explain that her surgery " started with the breasts, as my risk of breast cancer is higher than my risk of ovarian cancer, and the surgery is more complex.
"On April 27, I finished the three months of medical procedures that the mastectomies involved. During that time I have been able to keep this private and to carry on with my work. But I am writing about it now because I hope that other women can benefit from my experience."
"Cancer is still a word that strikes fear into people’s hearts, producing a deep sense of powerlessness. But today it is possible to find out through a blood test whether you are highly susceptible to breast and ovarian cancer, and then take action."
Read more about Angelina's brave and inspiring actions in her full article for the New York Times here.
posted by ananyanaga...
added 16 weeks 3 days ago
This was very brave of her and she is so so strong. But on the other hand i don't think every other women can actually afford to have all of that done. But a very nice thing from her part.
posted by Melissaaa_...
added 39 weeks 2 days ago
She's so courageous!
posted by SadieJames
added 39 weeks 3 days ago
that's very brave from her and also courageous to share this with the world. if only that could help other women at risk feeling good in their bodies...
posted by PikachuLov...
added 39 weeks 3 days ago
Well good for her! She's stunning <3
posted by Byronic
added 39 weeks 3 days ago
That's tragic. She's very brave. I hope by making this drastic move she prevents the cancer before it happens. On the other hand although she's such an incredibly beautiful woman physically, she is very brave in herself, extremely independent thinking and way above most of the other Hollywood women who are only obsessed with their own looks.