Part of Life: Angelina Jolie Has Ovaries Removed
Part of Life: Angelina Jolie Has Ovaries Removed – Angelina Jolie has had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed after tests indicated possible signs of cancer, the Hollywood actress announced Tuesday — two years after she underwent a double mastectomy.
In a brief but candid op-ed for the New York Times, Jolie described learning that tests had showed early indications of possible ovarian cancer — an illness that killed her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, at the age of 49. “The beautiful thing about such moments in life is that there is so much clarity. You know what you live for and what matters,” the 39-year-old wrote.
Jolie said that the preventative laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy she underwent last week means she is now in menopause and can no longer have any more children. The surgery is an option for those at high risk of ovarian and breast cancers and for those who have certain types of ovarian cysts.
Research shows that this surgery reduces the risk of ovarian/fallopian tube cancer by 75–96% and of breast cancer by 50%, if performed prior to natural menopause.
“I expect some physical changes,” the Oscar winner and UN envoy wrote. “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.”
Jolie also pointed out that there are other approaches to treat the disease besides surgery. It is important for women to learn about their options and go with the one that works for them.
