Angelina Jolie Reveals Mastectomy Scars to Champion Breast Cancer Prevention

Angelina Jolie has publicly shown the scars from her preventative double mastectomy. The actor shared the images in a new interview with Time France. This move aims to raise global awareness about breast health.

Jolie first revealed her surgery in a 2013 New York Times op-ed. Her decision was based on a high genetic risk for breast cancer. She hopes her continued openness will empower other women.

The Medical Choice That Sparked a Global Conversation

Jolie carries a faulty BRCA1 gene. Doctors estimated this gave her an 87% lifetime risk of breast cancer. Her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, died from cancer at age 56.

This family history motivated her drastic preventative action. She underwent the mastectomy procedures in April 2013. The surgery reduced her breast cancer risk to under 5%.

According to her 2013 essay, the choice was difficult but clear. She wanted to be there for her children. The news sparked a worldwide surge in genetic testing inquiries, a phenomenon later called “the Angelina Jolie effect.”

From Personal Health to Public Advocacy

Jolie’s latest revelation is tied to her new film role. In “Couture,” she plays a filmmaker diagnosed with breast cancer. She told Time France the script’s “luminous perspective” on life beyond illness drew her to the project.

Her advocacy now extends beyond a single op-ed. By showing her scars, she visually joins a community of survivors. The goal is to normalize conversations about prevention and early detection.

This long-term commitment solidifies her role as a public health figure. She connects personal trauma with a universal message of proactive care. Her influence continues to shape discussions on women’s health.

Angelina Jolie’s decision to share her mastectomy scars marks another powerful chapter in her advocacy. It transforms a private medical journey into a public tool for education and support. Her story remains a cornerstone of modern breast cancer prevention dialogue.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Why did Angelina Jolie have a preventative mastectomy?

She carried a faulty BRCA1 gene, giving her an 87% risk of breast cancer. Her mother’s death from cancer also influenced her choice. The surgery reduced her risk to below 5%.

Q2: When did Angelina Jolie have her double mastectomy?

She underwent the procedure in April 2013. She publicly announced it in a New York Times op-ed that May. The surgeries were completed on April 27 of that year.

Q3: What is the “Angelina Jolie effect”?

It refers to the global increase in genetic testing after her 2013 announcement. Many women sought BRCA1 and BRCA2 screening. Health agencies reported a significant and sustained rise in inquiries.

Q4: Did Angelina Jolie have other preventative surgeries?

Yes, she later had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed in 2015. This was another preventative step against ovarian cancer. She also had a high genetic risk for that disease.

Q5: What is her new film “Couture” about?

In the film, Jolie plays an American filmmaker diagnosed with breast cancer during Paris Fashion Week. She said the script focuses on life beyond illness. The project is directed by Alice Winocour.

Q6: Why is she showing her scars now?

She wants to join other women in sharing their stories. The reveal coincides with an interview focused on breast health education. She aims to foster open conversation about prevention.