Angelina Jolie Reveals Mastectomy Scars on Time Cover: What Are Double Mastectomy and Oophorectomy?

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Angelina Jolie made headlines again this week, but not for a movie role or red-carpet moment. The Hollywood actor and humanitarian, now 50, has appeared on the cover of the inaugural issue of Time France, showing her mastectomy scars publicly for the very first time, more than a decade after undergoing a preventive double mastectomy.

A Decision She First Shared Over a Decade Ago

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Jolie first opened up about her experiences with her health in 2013 when she publicly disclosed that she had undergone a double mastectomy due to the discovery of the presence of a genetic mutation within her DNA that made her highly predisposed to cancer. In 2015, Jolie further took measures to optimise her health by undergoing a double oophorectomy.

Her act of coming out served as a major catalyst for encouraging women from across the world to learn about genetic risk and find cancer screenings they may have otherwise postponed. The personal significance became a quietly potent act.

What Is a Double Mastectomy?

"A double mastectomy, also known as a bilateral mastectomy, is the surgical removal of both breasts. It may be performed either as a treatment for breast cancer or as a preventive (prophylactic) measure in women who are at very high risk of developing the disease," explained Dr Vani Parmar, HOD- Breast Onco-surgery and Surgical Oncologist, KIMS Hospitals, Thane.

Women carrying mutations in genes like BRCA1 or BRCA2 face a significantly higher lifetime risk of breast cancer, often as high as 60-80%. "In such cases, preventive double mastectomy can reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 90-95%. The surgery may involve removing breast tissue while preserving skin and nipples, followed by reconstruction if desired," added Dr Parmar.

Importantly, this procedure does not eliminate risk completely, but it dramatically lowers it and can offer psychological relief to women living under constant fear of cancer.

What Is a Double Oophorectomy?

"A double oophorectomy, medically termed bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, involves the removal of both ovaries (often along with the fallopian tubes). This surgery is primarily done to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, which is notoriously difficult to detect early and therefore presents in advanced stages," said Dr Parmar.

For women with BRCA mutations, ovarian cancer risk can be as high as 40%. Removing the ovaries can reduce this risk by over 90% and also significantly lower breast cancer risk by reducing oestrogen levels in the body.

However, this surgery induces early menopause, leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, bone density loss, mood changes, and increased cardiovascular risk. Therefore, timing and counselling are critical.

Who Should Consider These Surgeries?

"These procedures are not recommended for the general population. They are considered for women with high genetic risk for developing breast cancer, only after detailed genetic testing, risk assessment, counselling, and discussion of alternatives such as enhanced screening or medication," shared Dr Parmar.

The Bigger Message

Dr Parmar concluded, "Angelina Jolie's openness has helped normalize conversations around preventive cancer care. Double mastectomy and double oophorectomy are not cosmetic or extreme choices; they are evidence-based medical strategies that can save lives when used in the right context. The key takeaway is simple: knowledge of risk, early testing, and informed decision-making empower patients to take control of their health."

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.