Angelina Jolie revealed that she had a double mastectomy in February in an editorial piece she wrote for the New York Times today.
Jolie made the decision after finding out that she had an 87 percent risk of breast cancer and a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer. Her mother died of cancer at age 56, and Jolie often speaks about the profound effect that has had on her.
The 87 percent risk Jolie speaks of is a gene, the BRCA1, which increases the risk for the development of breast and ovarian cancer. Women carrying the BRCA1 gene have, on average, a 65 percent risk of developing cancer, though it varies with each woman.
Jolie finished the complicated procedure to undergo a double mastectomy on April 27, having made the decision to undertake the procedure because it is a more complex one and her risk was higher for breast cancer than ovarian cancer.
"I am writing about it now because I hope that other women can benefit from my experience," Jolie writes in the piece. "Cancer is still a word that strikes fear into people's hearts, producing a deep sense of powerlessness."
The process to determine cancer risk is done through a blood test and for Jolie, began with a procedure called a "nipple delay," which rules out the possibility of the disease in the breast ducts behind the nipple by drawing blood flow to the area. For women undergoing a mastectomy, it increases the chances of being able to save the nipple.
Jolie underwent the double mastectomy two weeks after having that test. The surgery consists of having the breast tissue removed and temporary fillers put in their place. The surgery was completed nine weeks later with the reconstruction of the breasts with implants.
"I wanted to write this to tell other women that the decision to have a mastectomy was not easy," Jolie said. "But it is one I am very happy that I made.
"I can tell my children that they don't need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer," Jolie continued. "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 speaks about her partner, Brad Pitt, saying he was very supportive of the procedure and was at the Pink Lotus Breast Center, where Jolie underwent the procedure, from start to finish.
"We managed to find moments to laugh together," Jolie said. "We knew this was the right thing to do for our family and that it would bring us closer."
Jolie plans to post her regimen for the entire procedure on the web site of the Pink Lotus Breast Center in hope that it will be helpful to other women.
The high cost of this type of treatment is also discussed. The testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 is more than $3,000, making it a major obstacle for many women.
"I choose not to keep my story private because there are many women who do not know that they may be living under the shadow of cancer," Jolie said. "Life comes with many challenges.
"The ones that should not scare us are the ones we can take on and take control of," she finished.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
