The A-lister has bravely admitted to having the procedure of having both breasts removed
Angelina Jolie has revealed she’s had a double mastectomy after discovering she had a high risk of developing breast cancer. Having spent decades shielding her private life from the press the actress has bravely spoken out about her experiences of having both breasts removed in an article for the New York Times.
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The double mastectomy took place in February after doctors gave Angelina Jolie an 87 per cent risk of developing breast cancer because she also carries the 'faulty gene', BRCA1 and the actress’ mother, Marcheline Bertrand died aged 56 after losing her battle with cancer.
The piece entitled, My Medical Choice, details the reasons why Angelina Jolie opted for the surgery writing: ‘My doctors estimated that I had an 87 percent risk of breast cancer and a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer, although the risk is different in the case of each woman.’
She goes on to explain the process she underwent in an honest but helpful way – ‘It does feel like a scene out of a science-fiction film. But days after surgery you can be back to a normal life.’ The frank article also addresses the emotional side effects of such surgery but Angelina focuses solely on the positives adding: ‘On a personal note, I do not feel any less of a woman. I feel empowered that I made a strong choice that in no way diminishes my femininity.’
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Of course Angelina didn’t forget to mention the ‘loving and supportive’ Brad Pitt who helped her through this tough time and that the couple ‘managed to find moments to laugh together.’
Her children were very much at the centre of her choices, and the actress addressed the effect things had on them. ‘They can see my small scars and that’s it,’ the 37-year-old revealed. ‘Everything else is just Mommy, the same as she always was. And they know that I love them and will do anything to be with them as long as I can.’
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Despite her perference to avoid attention around her personal life Angelina Jolie also wanted to explain why she shared her story saying: ‘I choose not to keep my story private because there are many women who do not know that they might be living under the shadow of cancer. It is my hope that they, too, will be able to get gene tested, and that if they have a high risk they, too, will know that they have strong options.’
And to continue the way she started, Angelina summed up with one final empowering message writing: ‘Life comes with many challenges. The ones that should not scare us are the ones we can take on and take control of.’
Angelina, we couldn't applaud you more for your bravery!
Read Angelina Jolie’s piece in full at nytimes.com and for more information on breast cancer see breastcancercare.org.uk
What do you think of Angelina Jolie’s decision to have a double mastectomy? Have you gone through this process? What are you experiences of this? Do you admire the actress’ bravery in speaking out? Let us know below.
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