Md. Doctor Applauds Angelina Jolie's Decision To Remove Ovaries After Cancer Scare
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Brave move. Hollywood star Angelina Jolie makes a shocking revelation, telling the world about her close call with ovarian cancer and why she can no longer have children.
Amy Yensi spoke to a Maryland doctor about the star's medical decision.
Two years ago, the star promised to keep the public updated on her steps to prevent cancer, and she's staying true to her word.
In The New York Times Tuesday, Angelina Jolie explains that she had her ovaries surgically removed. The 39-year-old calling it a preventative move to cut her risk of cancer, writing: "I feel at ease with whatever will come, not because I am strong but because this is a part of life. It is nothing to be feared."
Two years ago, she had a double mastectomy after learning she carries the BRCA1 gene mutation, which greatly heightens the risk of breast and ovarian cancer--a disease that claimed the life of her mother.
"Removing the tubes and ovaries is important because the tubes are where ovarian cancer is thought to start. And it can prevent their risk, of course, for ovarian cancer, but also by 50 percent for breast cancer," said Dr. Leigh Matlaga, OBGYN, MedStar Franklin Square.
In her op-ed piece, Jolie stresses there is more than one way to deal with this and any other health issue and that the most important thing is to learn about the options.
The dramatic surgery means Jolie can no longer have children, and there are other side effects.
"The ovary makes estrogen, progesterone, and now she's without the hormone producing ovaries. So menopause was induced about a decade earlier than in the average woman," said Dr. Agus, CBS News medical contributor.
Fellow stars expressed support on Twitter. Piers Morgan saying: "Very admiring of Angelina Jolie's decision to reveal all this. She will save many lives by doing so."
TV's Doctor Oz saying: "I applaud Angelina Jolie's courage to do what she & her doctors felt was necessary to ensure her overall well-being."
And Mindy Kaling telling her followers: "To the women who follow me on here: I truly hope you take a few minutes to read this moving & informative oped."
Dr. Matlaga went on to add that this is an example of using star power for a good cause. She's urging women to have these types of conversations with their doctors.
Jolie must now take estrogen and progesterone in order to keep a hormonal balance.
The actress and her husband Brat Pitt have three biological and three adopted children.
