Almost 2 years ago, Angelina Jolie underwent a preventative double mastectomy. And just last week, the 39-year-old "Maleficent" actress once again opted to have another surgery to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes. The surgical procedure is called laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
So, why did Angelina Jolie undergo another surgery? Though the acclaimed "Unbroken" director revealed her decision of going under the knife again was never easy, she chose to do it for the reason of cancer prevention.
"I lost my mother, grandmother and aunt to cancer," Jolie wrote on 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.
Angelina Jolie has been writing about her cancer prevention ordeal in The Opinion Pages of the New York Times. Her latest essay titled, "Diary of a Surgery," she urged other women at risk to know about the options and to give information that could be useful, including her very own experiences.
Jolie was reportedly at risk for breast and ovarian cancer after it was detected she's carrying a BRCA1 gene mutation. That's why, she opted to undergo another preventive operation. According to the Washington Post, the "Tomb Raider" star already consulted both Western and Eastern specialists and took a series of tests.
Based on a CNN report, a blood test confirmed there were high levels of inflammatory markers, which could indicate early signs of cancer. Angelina Jolie then went through a tumor testing. A PET/CT scan test that was conducted by her mother's doctor generated a negative result for tumors.
Notwithstanding Angelina Jolie's negative test results, there is still a chance of an early stage cancer development. However, CBS News learned it is considered minor as compared to a full-blown tumor. And though relieved by the results, Jolie was still determined to have her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed.
After the preventive surgical treatment, Jolie is on hormonal replacement medication. She is also in menopause now and will not be able to get pregnant ever again.
Meanwhile, Angelina Jolie remained resilient and composed despite the cancer challenges she faced. And though husband Brad Pitt was in France when she called about the news, he immediately flew back home to be with his wife during the tough time.
"It is not easy to make these decisions," she said. "But it is possible to take control and tackle head-on any health issue. You can seek advice, learn about the options and make choices that are right for you."
Albeit the risk of being cancer-prone remains, Angelina Jolie is confidently looking for natural ways to strengthen her immune system. Because for her, "knowledge is power."
"The beautiful thing about such moments in life is that there is so much clarity," Jolie concluded. "You know what you live for and what matters. It is polarizing, and it is peaceful."
