Angelina Jolie showed her mastectomy scars for the first time (5 photos)

In 2013, Angelina Jolie underwent a prophylactic double mastectomy. The actress decided to undergo the surgery after doctors warned her of a high risk of breast cancer (87%) and ovarian cancer (50%). The Hollywood star graced the first print issue of the French version of Time magazine and showed off the scars left by the mastectomy.





In an interview with the New York Times, the mother of six admitted, "I decided to be proactive and minimize the risks as much as possible." Her ex-husband, Brad Pitt, remarked at the time that it was "absolutely heroic."

Despite her bold move, the Lara Croft star had never shown her scars—until now.

On December 16, 50-year-old Jolie appeared on the cover of Time France wearing a low-cut sweater, covering her bare chest with her hand.



"I share these scars with many women I love. And it always touches me when I see other women sharing their experiences with surgery. I decided to join them, knowing that TIME France would be sharing information about breast health and breast cancer prevention," the actress shared.





A mastectomy is a surgical procedure that removes all or part of the breast. It is usually performed to treat or prevent breast cancer. The procedure may involve removing tissue, skin, and sometimes the nipple.

Angelina was diagnosed with a BRCA1 gene mutation, which significantly increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

She recalls: "I decided to have this [surgery] because I lost my mother and grandmother very young. I have the BRCA gene, so I had a double mastectomy ten years ago... And then I had my ovaries removed because that's what robbed me of my mother."



The celebrity emphasized that no one is obligated to follow her example; everyone always has a choice.

In 2013, Jolie wrote for the New York Times: "My mother battled cancer for almost a decade and died at 56. She got to see her first grandchildren and hold them in her arms. But my younger children will never be able to know her or feel how loving and compassionate she was."



After the procedure, the risk of breast cancer dropped from 87% to less than 5%.

"I don't feel less feminine," Jolie said. "I'm confident that my choice is the right one and doesn't diminish my femininity."