Angelina Jolie made the brave decision to have a double mastectomy two years ago after discovering she carries the mutation for the BRCA1 gene. She did this to decrease her risk of getting both breast and ovarian cancer. You can read more about her decision in our GetHealthyHarlem article here.

And in an effort to further lower her chances of getting cancer, Ms. Jolie decided to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes March of 2024.

In her New York Times Opinion Editorial, found here, she reveals she had been planning the surgery to remove her ovaries for some time. However, a routine screening with blood work speeded up her decision for surgery that showed she had a higher than normal chance of developing cancer again.  "I went through what I imagine thousands of other women have felt," she wrote. "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."

Although the actress chose to have surgery, she stresses that every woman should become well informed and weigh all available options. In her situation, with a family medical history of a grandmother, aunt and mother having died of cancer and by testing positive for the gene mutation, removing her ovaries and fallopian tubes seemed the best way to go.

"It is not possible to remove all risk, and the fact is I remain prone to cancer," she said. "I will look for natural ways to strengthen my immune system. 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.'"

To read the full article, click here.

Here are a listing of resources for breast and ovarian cancer:

• Located in East Harlem, the Ralph Lauren Cancer Center is a community-based center for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Check out their local breast examination center here.
• The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has a wide variety of easy-to-read material and connections to other nationwide resources. Click here for a direct link.
• Lifenet: 1-800-LIFENET is a free confidential helpline available 24 hours a day/7 days a week for New York City residents. Staff members are trained mental health professionals who can help you find mental health needs. Available in Spanish, Mandarin and Cantonese.