Angelina Jolie's surgeon has spoken out about the celebrity's choice to undergo a double mastectomy, revealing that her decision 'wasn't based in fear.'
Angelina Jolie's surgeon has spoken out about the celebrity's choice to undergo a double mastectomy, revealing that her decision 'wasn't based in fear.'
The doctor who operated on Angelina Jolie, renowned breast cancer surgeon Dr. Kristi Funk, opened up about the star's brave decision to undergo surgery after finding out that she carried the BRCA1 gene, in an interview with US show Extra.
'She didn't have it right away, but probably knew with her family history that it was a choice she would eventually make,' Dr. Funk said.
'Her decision was not made overnight. It wasn't based in fear.'
Dr. Funk also disclosed that she knew her superstar patient would go public with her surgery, explaining:
'I knew that was her intention. She is just philanthropic to the core. She could never keep this a secret, and be who she is! She is someone who wants to save lives and she is doing that every day!'
Knowing that the surgery would be publicly scrutinised, Dr. Funk revealed that she worked on making some changes to both the preparation for the surgery and the operation itself.
The interview also elaborates on other alternatives to double mastectomy for those who discover they are carrying the cancer-linked BRCA1 gene, including 'high risk surveillance, MRIs, mammograms and ultrasounds.
As for how Angelina is faring now? According to Dr. Funk, she's 'perfect.' And we couldn't be more thrilled.
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