Angelina Jolie is widely, and justly, lauded for her human-rights work abroad. But she's quietly helped countless others in a more personal way as well: by opening up about her health, and the measures she's taken to help prevent cancer.
Two years ago, Jolie made headlines when she spoke out about her double mastectomy. And now, in a New York Times op-ed, she's shared her decision to have her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed in order to prevent ovarian cancer, which her mother passed away from.
Jolie is both frank and commendably open-minded; she is very clear that every woman must make her own choice, and that "the most important thing is to learn about the options and choose what is right for you personally." She also helps refute the notion that such surgeries are something to be ashamed of as a woman, writing, "I feel feminine, and grounded in the choices I am making for myself and my family."
It's a poignant read, and more than that, an important one for women who will have to navigate difficult decisions about their health. Which is to say, it's a must-read for all women.
Peruse Jolie's words in their entirety here. And learn more about ovarian cancer and the preventive steps you can take here.
