Editorial: Jolie's brave decision praised

Angelina Jolie has been touted as one of the most beautiful women in the world - now her beauty is even greater.

The 37-year-old actress has undergone a double mastectomy to reduce her risk of developing cancer.

It's everywhere in the news. You're probably sick of reading or hearing about it already.

But if you could bear with me, I want you to know why I too think she deserves suitable praise.

Some might think it was an easy decision to make - the odds were stacked against her after doctors told her she had an 87 per cent chance of developing breast cancer and a 50 per cent risk of ovarian cancer.

The same cancer killed her mother at the age of 56.

So the odds are pretty high and, yes, Jolie can afford the best breast reconstruction surgery on the market - but that's not really the point.

She is a woman who is famous because of her talent, looks and glitz and glam lifestyle.

Her physical appearance has a lot to do with that and it must have been a big decision to make.

Despite what some people think, there is no guaranteed cure for cancer and such a decision had to be made to ensure more years with her six children.

Jolie has come a long way - from the Gothic-looking slightly attention-seeking actress of more than a decade ago to someone who cares about the world and is a good role model for other women.

So grin and bear the media frenzy for a bit longer if you can, for once we are standing around the water cooler talking about someone from Hollywood for the right reasons.