After a preventative double mastectomy in 2013, Angelina Jolie underwent another surgical procedure called laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy last week. The 39-year-old actress revealed that her decision of having her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed was never easy.
So what made Jolie decide to go through this surgery? According to the actress, her primary reason is for the prevention of cancer.
"I lost my mother, grandmother and aunt to cancer," she wrote as contributor to The Opinion Pages of New York Times Tuesday. "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 feel at ease with whatever will come, not because I am strong but because this is part of life. It is nothing to be feared," the actress added.
Jolie was reportedly at risk for breast and ovarian cancer because she's carrying a mutation in the BRCA1 gene, which is a human tumor suppressor gene that confers breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility. According to Washington Post, the "Tomb Raider" star took a series of tests and consulted both Western and Eastern doctors.
After a blood test confirmed that there were high levels of inflammatory markers in her body, Jolie promptly underwent testing for a tumor, CNN revealed. Fortunately, the PET/CT scan test, which was conducted by the same doctor who treated Jolie's mother for cancer, revealed a negative result for tumors.
Despite the negative test results, CBS News learned that there is still a chance of early stage cancer development, which is considered minor compared to a full-blown tumor. Though relieved by the clear results, the A-list Hollywood star still opted for the removal of her ovaries and fallopian tubes last week.
Regardless of the hormonal replacement medication after the surgery, Jolie is forced into menopause. Thus, she is not capable of bearing children anymore.
Meanwhile, Jolie's husband, Brad Pitt, was in France when she called to inform him about the test results. And within hours, Pitt boarded a plane to ensure he'll be with his wife throughout the ordeal.
The risk of being prone to cancer still remains because on top of the BRCA gene, three women in her family have died of cancer. However, Jolie claims that she will look for natural ways to strengthen her immune system.
"The beautiful thing about such moments in life is that there is so much clarity," she said. "You know what you live for and what matters. It is polarizing, and it is peaceful."
