Brave Angelina Jolie reveals mastectomy scars in photoshoot as she aims to raise cancer awareness 12 years after surgery
ACTRESS Angelina Jolie bravely bares her mastectomy scars in solidarity with other women battling cancer.
The Oscar-winning star, 50, showed the effects of her life-saving operation, when she had both breasts removed 12 years ago, in a bold photoshoot.
She told Time France magazine: “I share these scars with many women I love. And I’m always moved when I see others share theirs.”
Posing on the cover of the December issue in a low-cut jumper, with her hand covering her chest, the mum of six said she hoped the move would help raise awareness of the disease.
The star had both breasts removed and reconstructive surgery in 2013 after finding out she has the BRCA1 gene mutation, which meant her chances of getting cancer were high.
Following her double mastectomy, Lara Croft star Jolie also had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed as a preventive measure.
She lost her mum, French actress Marcheline Bertrand, to ovarian cancer in 2007.
Her grandmother and aunt also died from cancer.
Jolie added: “Every woman should always be able to determine her own healthcare journey and have the information she needs to make informed choices.
“Genetic testing and screening should be accessible and affordable for women with clear risk factors or a significant family history.”
Jolie, who settled her eight-year divorce battle with ex Brad Pitt, 61, a year ago, is currently working on upcoming film Couture.
In the fashion drama, she plays Maxine Walker, a US filmmaker diagnosed with breast cancer.