Angelina Jolie Had Her Ovaries Removed

Angelina Jolie, an American actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian, has had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed after doctors detected possible early signs of cancer.

The actress carries a mutation in the BRCA1 gene, which gave her a 50% risk of developing ovarian cancer. Her mother, grandmother and aunt all died of the disease. In 2013 Angelina underwent a double mastectomy after learning she had an estimated 87 per cent chance of developing breast cancer. And now two years later, she has had both ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. These preventive steps greatly decrease her lifetime risk of cancer.

In the article, titled Angelina Jolie Pitt: Diary of a Surgery, she said a blood test revealed “a number” of elevated inflammatory markers that could be a sign of early cancer, and was told to see a surgeon immediately. “I went through what I imagine thousands of other women have felt. I told myself to stay calm, to be strong, and that I had no reason to think I wouldn’t live to see my children grow up and to meet my grandchildren.

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I called my husband in France, who was on a plane within hours. The beautiful thing about such moments in life is that there is so much clarity. You know what you live for and what matters. It is polarizing, and it is peaceful.”  The 39-year-old insisted that her choice was the right one for her, but not necessarily for everyone, saying: “There is more than one way to deal with any health issue. The most important thing is to learn about the options and choose what is right for you personally.

It is not possible to remove all risk, and the fact is I remain prone to cancer. I will look for natural ways to strengthen my immune system. I feel feminine, and grounded in the choices I am making for myself and my family. I know my children will never have to say, “Mom died of ovarian cancer. I will not be able to have any more children, and I expect some physical changes. But I feel at ease with whatever will come, not because I am strong but because this is a part of life. It is nothing to be feared.”

After Jolie revealed news of her mastectomy in 2013 there was a dramatic increase in the number of women referred for genetic testing. Cancer charities are already welcoming her decision to open up about her latest surgery, anticipating a new wave of the so-called ‘Angelina effect’. Ovarian Cancer Action’s Katherine Taylor said: “If women know they have BRCA gene mutations, they can choose to take action before cancer develops, much like Angelina has. Her bravery to announce this news publicly could save lives.”