Why Did Angelina Jolie Have Her Breasts Removed?

Angelina Jolie, a famous actress, made headlines in 2013 when she decided to have a mastectomy, also known as breast removal surgery. Most people were perplexed as to why celebrities known for their beauty would choose to undergo such a serious procedure. In this article, we will go over Angelina Jolie's decision in greater detail.

What Exactly Is a Mastectomy?

A mastectomy is a surgical procedure in which the entire or a portion of the breast is removed. This procedure is carried out when a person is at high risk of developing breast cancer or is already suffering from it. Let's take a look at some of the most common mastectomy procedures.

• Radical Mastectomy

The entire breast, lymph tissue, pectoral muscles, and the lower part of the collarbone are removed during a radical mastectomy. This procedure is used when breast cancer has spread to surrounding tissue.

Although radical mastectomy is less common nowadays, it may be required in more severe cases.

• Adjacent Mastectomy

Adjacent mastectomy, also known as partial mastectomy, involves removing the cancerous portion of the breast as well as a small amount of surrounding tissue.

The part of the breast that is not affected by cancer will be preserved. This procedure is used in the treatment of early-stage breast cancer.

• Simple Mastectomy

This procedure involves the removal of the entire breast while excluding lymph tissue or chest muscle. It is an option for breast cancer patients whose disease has not spread to the surrounding tissue.

• Prophylactic Mastectomy 

Mastectomy prophylaxis is the removal of breasts as a preventive measure, usually in patients at high risk of breast cancer. This includes individuals with a family history of breast cancer or individuals with genetic mutations linked to breast cancer.

This procedure helps reduce the risk of breast cancer in the future.

• Reconstructive Mastectomy

The procedure of reconstructive mastectomy involves replacing the removed breast with an implant or tissue from another part of the body. This can be done concurrently with a simple mastectomy or after the main procedure.

3 Reasons for Angelina Jolie Having Her Breasts Removed

• Family History

Angelina Jolie chose to have a mastectomy due to a family history of cancer. Angelina Jolie's parents, Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand, have a history of cancer, and her own mother died of ovarian cancer at the age of 56.

As a result, Angelina Jolie is more likely to develop breast and ovarian cancer. The risk can be reduced by having a mastectomy.

• Genetic

Angelina's decision to have a mastectomy was also influenced by the results of her genetic testing. Experts discovered BRCA1 mutations in these genetic tests, which increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

Mastectomy procedures can cut the risk of breast cancer by 87% and ovarian cancer by 50%. As a result, Angelina Jolie made a proactive decision by undergoing mastectomy surgery to reduce her cancer risk.

• Role Model

Angelina wanted to set a good example for women who are at high risk of breast and ovarian cancer by having this surgery and raising awareness about the importance of genetic testing and cancer prevention measures.

Angelina Jolie also wanted to demonstrate that, while deciding to have a mastectomy is not an easy one, it is a brave and courageous choice.

The Impact of Angelina Jolie's Decision

• People's response

Angelina Jolie's decision to have her breasts removed elicited a range of reactions from the public. Some people admire and support her courage in speaking openly about health issues. There were also, however, those who criticise and question her actions.

The majority of the criticism focuses on the cosmetic effects of the surgery and the loss of a woman's femininity.

• Social and psychological impact

Angelina Jolie's decision to have her breasts removed also has an effect on society and the psychology of people who have similar health issues. From a social standpoint, this action raises public awareness of the importance of healthcare and regular check-ups.

Furthermore, this action can help to dispel the stigma associated with breast cancer and create a forum for open discussion about the issue.

• Career

Angelina Jolie's decision to remove her breasts also had an impact on her career as an actress. However, it did not hinder Angelina's ability to do her job.

On the other hand, her decision has established her as a courageous and strong woman in the face of adversity. She has received a lot of encouragement and recognition in order to keep it going.

Other Celebrities Who Underwent Mastectomies

Angelina Jolie is not the only celebrity who has had breast removal surgery. There have been other celebrities who have made the same decision. This includes the following:

• Sheryl Crow - The singer revealed in 2006 that she had breast cancer and had a mastectomy.

• Christina Applegate - Christina was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and underwent a mastectomy.

• Kylie Minogue - The singer underwent breast surgery in 2005 after suffering from breast cancer.

• Wanda Sykes - This comedian also chose to undergo breast surgery after suffering from breast cancer.

• Cynthia Nixon - Cynthia underwent breast surgery after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006.

• Giuliana Rancic - This television celebrity underwent a mastectomy in 2011 after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis.

• Sharon Osbourne - Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy Osbourne's wife, underwent breast surgery in 2012 after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

• Kathy Bates - Kathy Bates underwent breast surgery after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012.

• Melissa Etheridge - The singer underwent breast surgery in 2005 after suffering from breast cancer.

• Edie Falco - After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, the actress chose to have a mastectomy.

• Amy Rob - This reporter underwent breast augmentation surgery in 2013 after doing a breast exam on Good Morning America.

• Robin Roberts - Following a breast cancer diagnosis, this news anchor underwent a mastectomy in 2007.

• Hoda Kotb - This lawyer underwent breast surgery to remove cancer cells in 2007.

Breast Cancer Awareness

​It is vital that we recognise the importance of being aware of the risk of breast cancer and taking care of our bodies. Breast cancer is a serious disease that can be fatal. Early detection is critical for a good chance of recovery. As a result, it is important to adhere to the doctor's advice and perform regular breast examinations, especially if there is a family history of breast cancer.

Angelina Jolie's decision to have her breasts removed is a personal one that should be respected and understood by the public. Everyone has the right to choose what is best for their own health. What is important is that we continue to raise awareness about the risk of breast cancer and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Hopefully, Angelina Jolie and other celebrities who have had their breasts removed will serve as an inspiration to those at risk of breast cancer to take appropriate preventive measures.

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