Angelina Jolie has revealed she has had a preventative double mastectomy because she has the breast cancer gene BRCA1.
Writing in the New York Times, the actress, whose mother died of cancer at 56, said she had both breasts removed in a series of surgeries over three months.
“My doctors estimated that I had an 87 per cent risk of breast cancer and a 50 per cent risk of ovarian cancer,” Jolie wrote.
“Once I knew that this was my reality, I decided to be proactive and to minimise the risk as much I could. I made a decision to have a preventive double mastectomy.”
Jolie’s surgery was complete on April 27, and she initially kept it a secret until for privacy reasons.
Now, she has decided to reveal all to help other women who might be going through the same thing.
“Cancer is still a word that strikes fear into people’s hearts, producing a deep sense of powerlessness,” she wrote. “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.”
Jolie has now had breast reconstruction, having implants inserted, and says the result is “beautiful”.
She is glad the operation is complete and loved telling her six children they didn’t have to worry about her dying of cancer.
“I wanted to write this to tell other women that the decision to have a mastectomy was not easy,” she wrote. “But it is one I am very happy that I made. My chances of developing breast cancer have dropped from 87 per cent to under 5 per cent.
“I can tell my children that they don’t need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer. It is reassuring that they see nothing that makes them uncomfortable. They can see my small scars and that’s it.
“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. 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.”
Jolie also praised her partner Brad Pitt, saying going through the surgical procedure together made them closer.
“I am fortunate to have a partner, Brad Pitt, who is so loving and supportive,” Jolie wrote. “So to anyone who has a wife or girlfriend going through this, know that you are a very important part of the transition.
“We managed to find moments to laugh together. We knew this was the right thing to do for our family and that it would bring us closer. And it has.”
Overall, Jolie’s message was to women who might have the cancer gene and be considering a preventative mastectomy.
“For any woman reading this, I hope it helps you to know you have options,” Jolie wrote. “I want to encourage every woman, especially if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, to seek out the information and medical experts who can help you through this aspect of your life, and to make your own informed choices.
“Life comes with many challenges. The ones that should not scare us are the ones we can take on and take control of.”
