Angelina Jolie shared a vital reminder on Monday (May 8) in honor of World Ovarian Cancer Day, and what would have been her late mother’s 73rd birthday.
In an emotional Instagram post, the Oscar-winning actress opened up about losing her mother 15 years ago after a “long struggle” with ovarian and breast cancer. The post featured an adorable photo of a young Jolie sitting on the floor with her mother.
“I have had preventive surgeries to try to lessen [my] chances [of developing cancer] but I continue to have check ups,” wrote Jolie, 47. “My mom loved Hendrix and would always sign her letters ‘Kiss the Sky.’ It took on new meaning after she passed.”
“Sending my love to those who have also lost loved ones, and strength to those who are fighting at this very moment for their lives and the lives of those they love,” she continued.
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Jolie also used her platform to remind her 14.3 million Instagram followers about the importance of screenings for breast and ovarian cancer — especially for women like her, who have a “family history of cancer.”
“And to other women, please take the time to look after yourself and go for your mammograms and blood tests or ultrasounds, particularly if you have a family history of cancer,” she concluded, linking out to the World Ovarian Cancer Day’s official deck in her bio.
Ovarian and breast cancer affect thousands of people each year.
Sadly, Jolie’s mother is not alone. Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally and accounts for nearly 30 percent of all cancer cases in the United States. About 42,000 women die of it each year, including a disproportionately large number of Black women.
Ovarian cancer is less prevalent and very treatable if detected early. However, it is more challenging to diagnose, resulting in a steeper death rate. That’s why screenings are so crucial, especially for people with a family history of ovarian cancer.
People with a family history of breast and ovarian cancer should also be aware of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this syndrome is linked to certain genetic mutations, such as the breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer 2 (BRCA2) genes. Posessing these genetic markers greatly increases a person’s likelihood of developing these cancers in their lifetime.
How are breast and ovarian cancer diagnosed?
Breast cancer can affect anyone with breast tissue, but it is most common in cisgender women. It is usually diagnosed via mammograms, which the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends every other year for women ages 50–74 years old who are at average risk for breast cancer.
Women at a higher risk of developing breast cancer may opt for more regular screenings or choose to begin getting mammograms at an earlier age. If they have dense breasts, which increases their risk, they may also consider getting additional tests, such as breast ultrasounds.
Similarly, ovarian cancer can impact anyone with ovaries, but most cases occur among cis women. According to the CDC, there is no standard screening procedure for ovarian cancer, hence why it is harder to detect. It is typically seen in middle-aged women.
People should talk to their doctor if they experience symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, pelvic pain, back pain, or changes in bathroom habits. This is particularly relevant if they are at higher risk of developing it.
Angelina Jolie famously underwent preventative surgery to drastically reduce her risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
As she noted in her Instagram post, Jolie became the public face of breast cancer awareness in 2013, when she underwent a preventative double mastectomy after learning she has the BRCA1 gene.
Jolie’s doctors told her she had a 87-percent chance of developing breast cancer and a 50-percent chance for ovarian cancer. After the procedure, her lifetime risk of developing breast cancer plummeted to just 5 percent.
“My mother fought cancer for almost a decade and died at 56,” she wrote at the time in an op-ed for The New York Times. “We often speak of ‘Mommy’s mommy,’ and I find myself trying to explain the illness that took her away from us.”
“[Now] I can tell my children that they don’t need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer,” Jolie added.
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