Angelina Jolie has publicly revealed the scars from her preventive double mastectomy for the very first time, more than a decade after undergoing the surgery. The actress and director, now 50, had the procedure in 2013 after discovering she carried a defective BRCA1 gene, which gave her an estimated 87% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
The 'Angelina Effect' and a Decade of Advocacy
Jolie first shared news of her preventative surgery in a powerful 2013 editorial, an act that sparked a global conversation and a significant rise in genetic testing and screenings. This phenomenon, dubbed the 'Angelina Effect', was linked to a notable 20% increase in screening rates in France alone. Her decision to now show her physical scars marks a new chapter in her ongoing advocacy.
The revelation comes as she prepares to star in a forthcoming film titled Coutures, directed by Alice Winocour, which explores the experience of breast cancer. In an interview with TIME France, Jolie explained her motivation for this deeply personal disclosure.
"I share these scars with many women I love," she said. "And I’m always moved when I see other women share theirs. I wanted to join them, knowing that TIME France would be sharing information about breast health, prevention, and knowledge about breast cancer."
A Personal and Family History of Cancer
Jolie's health decisions are deeply rooted in family tragedy. Her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, died from cancer in 2007 at age 56. Her grandmother and aunt also passed away from the disease. This strong family history informed her choice to undergo not only the double mastectomy but also, in 2015, the removal of her ovaries and fallopian tubes to prevent ovarian cancer.
She documented the latter surgery in another New York Times piece, expressing empathy for women facing similar choices earlier in life. "It is not easy to make these decisions," she wrote. "But it is possible to take control and tackle head-on any health issue... Knowledge is power."
Call for Accessible Screening and a New Film Role
In her latest interview, set for publication on December 18, Jolie emphasises that genetic screening for the BRCA gene should be routine for those at risk. "Every woman should always be able to determine her own healthcare journey," she stated. "Genetic testing and screening should be accessible and affordable for women with clear risk factors or a significant family history."
She criticises the inequality in healthcare, adding: "Access to screening and care should not depend on financial resources or where someone lives."
In Coutures, scheduled for release in February 2024, Jolie plays Maxine Walker, an American filmmaker diagnosed with breast cancer. She describes the project as a "very personal story" and praised director Winocour for creating a film about life, rather than just illness.
"Too often, films about women’s struggles—especially cancer—talk about endings and sadness, rarely about life," Jolie reflected. "For me, and for so many women who have experienced this, it was essential to remember that what allows us to get through these times is precisely life itself."
Understanding Mastectomies and Self-Checks
According to the NHS, a mastectomy is surgery to remove a breast, while a double mastectomy removes both. It is primarily a treatment for breast cancer but can also be a preventive measure for high-risk individuals. The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic and typically takes about 90 minutes for a single mastectomy, or three hours for a double.
Charities like CoppaFeel! advocate regular self-checks to spot early signs of breast cancer. They recommend a simple Look, Feel, Notice routine:
- Look: Observe the chest area for changes in size, shape, or skin texture like dimpling.
- Feel: Check for any unusual lumps, bumps, or thickening in the breast and armpit area.
- Notice your nipples: Look for discharge, bleeding, rashes, or changes in position.
Angelina Jolie's continued openness transforms her personal health journey into a powerful public dialogue about prevention, choice, and resilience in the face of cancer.
