Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie revealed on May 14, 2013 that she underwent a preventative double mastectomy. The star of “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” underwent this difficult procedure after the doctors estimated that she had 87% chances of developing breast cancer and 50% chances of developing ovarian cancer.
Jolie wrote an article about her decision, saying, “Cancer is still a word that strikes fear into people’s hearts, producing a deep sense of powerlessness”. The star wrote the article as she hopes that other women will benefit from her experience. Jolie also added that she feels empowered, but not diminished by it. The 37-year old actress reportedly carries a faulty gene, which increases the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
The process began on February 2, 2013 and came to an end on April 27, 2013, after three long months of medical procedures. Mastectomy is a procedure where a part or a whole breast is removed. There are also other ways of preventing breast cancer, such as mammography screening and breast self examinations.
The World Health Organization said that prevention offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy for cancer control. Jolie’s beloved mother Marcheline died of cancer in 2007, at the age of 56. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer found in women.
