Angelina Jolie’s decision to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes was not a mere follow-up to the double mastectomy that she underwent two years ago. The filmmaker’s choice was one that was both informed and necessary for her family. Days before going in for the procedure, Angelina endured testing that revealed inflammatory markers that were possible signs of ovarian cancer.
“I went through what I imagine thousands of other women have felt,” says the star of the experience. “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.”
Even though she was trying to remain calm, the idea of her children losing their mother to cancer was scary. After all, Jolie’s mother passed away at the age of 49 from cancer. The filmmaker’s grandmother also died after being diagnosed with the disease. Based on their experiences, and the BRCA1 gene mutation present in Jolie’s DNA, the actress saw no other way to combat the illness except through the drastic measures of surgery.
Although she has entered the stage of menopause and is no longer able to give birth to children as a result of the operation, Angelina tells fans that she doesn’t regret her choice. “I feel feminine, and grounded in the choices I am making for myself and my family,” says the star. “I know my children will never have to say, ‘Mom died of ovarian cancer.'”
Angelina Jolie and husband Brad Pitt parent six kids together.
