Last week, Angelina Jolie, 39 years, had a surgery to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes to remove the risk of ovarian cancer. In a similar vein, she had had a double mastectomy 2 years ago to prevent breast cancer.
Angelina carries a mutation in the BRCA1 gene that increases her risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Her mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 49 and died at 56 years. In addition, she lost her aunt and grandmother to cancer.
She said, "I did not do this solely because I carry the BRCA1 gene mutation, and I want other women to hear this. A positive BRCA test does not mean a leap to surgery. I have spoken to many doctors, surgeons and naturopaths. There are other options. Some women take birth control pills or rely on alternative medicines combined with frequent checks. There is more than one way to deal with any health issue. The most important thing is to learn about the options and choose what is right for you personally."
Angelina carries a mutation in the BRCA1 gene that increases her risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Her mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 49 and died at 56 years. In addition, she lost her aunt and grandmother to cancer.
She said, "I did not do this solely because I carry the BRCA1 gene mutation, and I want other women to hear this. A positive BRCA test does not mean a leap to surgery. I have spoken to many doctors, surgeons and naturopaths. There are other options. Some women take birth control pills or rely on alternative medicines combined with frequent checks. There is more than one way to deal with any health issue. The most important thing is to learn about the options and choose what is right for you personally."
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