Over a decade after having the procedure done, Angelina Jolie is sharing her story and her scars behind getting a double mastectomy. In 2013, after her mother passed away from breast cancer, Jolie underwent a test to discover that she has a gene that increases her risk of breast cancer, and made the difficult decision to have her breasts, ovaries, and fallopian tubes removed. Now, she’s sharing her story. Keep reading for more information.
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Angelina Jolie Shares Double Mastectomy Scars
In a cover story for TIME France, Jolie is speaking on the procedure and sharing images of her scars for the first time. "I share these scars with many women I love," she told the publication. "And I'm always moved when I see other women share theirs. I wanted to join them, knowing that TIME France would be sharing information about breast health, prevention, and knowledge about breast cancer."
Back in 2013, following her mother's death at the hands of breast cancer, Jolie found that she had a "faulty gene," as she called it at the time. "My chances of developing breast cancer have dropped from 87 percent to under 5 perfect," she explained of her choice. "I can tell my children that they don't need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer."
In TIME France interview, Jolie advocated for all women to have access to these tests: "Every woman should always be able to determine her own healthcare journey and have the information she needs to make informed choices: genetic testing and screening should be accessible and affordable for women with clear risk factors or a significant family history."
"Healthcare decisions must be personal, and women must have the information and support they need to make those choices," she continued. "Access to screening and care should not depend on financial resources or where someone lives."
Social Media Reactions
Jolie's magazine cover has gone viral on social media, with many fans coming out of the woodwork to praise the actress for being vulnerable and raising awareness. "She's so beautiful!" one person wrote on Instagram. "Truly one of a kind!"
"Such an inspiration!" another person commented.
"Not only is she beautiful but also very intelligent and empathetic," another user agreed.
"Still beautiful, inside and out," one comment reads.
"I, for one, admire her vulnerability," wrote one fan. "I am having a double mastectomy in 3 days as a result of cancer. I only hope I will get to the place she is in now."
"I applaud Angelina for her courage in sharing her decision," a final fan said.
