Angelina Jolie says she hopes to empower women to take ownership of their health.
Angelina Jolie says she hopes to empower women to take ownership of their health.
Hollywood icon Angelina Jolie has received widespread praise online for revealing her double mastectomy scars in a cover for Time France.
The interview and photospread, released this week, detail the actor’s decision to undergo preventive surgery in 2013.
“I share these scars with many women I love,” she said.
“I’malways moved when I see other women share theirs. I wanted to join them, knowing Time France would be sharing information about breast health, prevention and knowledge about breast cancer.”
Fans online were quick to share their admiration, calling the mother of six “iconic” and “ethereal”.
One supporter on X said Jolie “embodies strength and compassion” and called her the “perfect choice” for a cover story.
Another fan acknowledged her broad appeal, saying “she’s one of those rare figures whose influence goes well beyond film”.
Angelina Jolie attends the UK premiere of her film "The Eternal" with her children (from left) Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, Zahara Jolie-Pitt, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, Maddox Jolie-Pitt and Knox Jolie-Pitt in 2021. Photo / Samir Hussein / WireImage
Jolie chose to have a double mastectomy after her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, died of breast and ovarian cancers in 2007.
The Oscar winner also had preventive surgery to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes.
“Every woman should always be able to determine her own healthcare journey and have the information she needs to make informed choices,” Jolie told Elizabeth Lazaroo, Time France’s editor-in-chief.
“Genetic testing and screening should be accessible and affordable for women with clear risk factors or a significant family history."
Jolie said she faced a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer after testing positive for a BRCA1 gene mutation, writing about her diagnosis in a New York Times essay shortly after her surgery.
Her openness helped raise awareness and led to the so-called “Angelina Jolie effect”: a surge in breast screenings and women seeking information about their reconstruction options, the Independent said.
“My chances of developing breast cancer have dropped from 87% to under 5%. I can tell my children that they don’t need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer.
“I went through what I imagine thousands of other women have felt. I told myself to stay calm, to be strong, and that I had no reason to think I wouldn’t live to see my children grow up and to meet my grandchildren.”
