Angelina Jolie has finally shown the scars of a double mastectomy on the front cover of TIME France’s upcoming issue, a gesture that signals a new chapter in her long‑standing advocacy for breast cancer awareness.
A Personal Statement
In an interview with TIME France published on Dec. 15, the 50‑year‑old actress said, “I share these scars with many women I love,” and added, “And I’m always moved when I see other women share theirs. I wanted to join them, knowing that TIME France would share information on breast health, prevention and knowledge about breast cancer.”
Family and Personal Life
The star of “Eternals” and former “Maleficent” co‑star shares six children with her ex‑husband Brad Pitt: Maddox, 24; Pax, 21; Zahara, 20; Shiloh, 19; and twins Vivienne and Knox, 17. These names and ages are all publicly confirmed.
A Legacy of Loss
Jolie’s journey began in 2007 when her mother, fellow actor Marcheline Bertrand, died from breast cancer at age 56. The loss prompted Jolie to become a vocal advocate for breast cancer awareness.
Her Own Health Scare
Six years later, in 2013, Jolie revealed in a New York Times op‑ed that doctors had found a faulty gene called BRCA1 in her tests. The gene increased her risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
Preventative Action
Shortly after the screening, Jolie chose to have a preventative double mastectomy. She wrote at the time, “The decision to have a mastectomy was not easy, but it is one I am very happy that I made. I can tell my children that they don’t need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer.”
Further Surgical Steps
Two years after the mastectomy, she removed her ovaries and fallopian tubes. Jolie said that every woman should have access to such decisions when navigating their own health journey.
Advocacy for Accessible Care
In her conversation with TIME, she emphasized that genetic tests and screening should be accessible and affordable for women with obvious risk factors or a significant family history. “When in 2013, I shared my experience, it was to encourage informed choices. Health decisions must be personal, and women must have the information and support necessary to make these choices,” she said. She added, “Access to screening and care should not depend on financial resources or where you live.”
Divorce News
Brad Pitt is breaking his silence about finalizing his divorce from Angelina Jolie following an eight‑year legal battle. This development is a separate but related piece of news about the couple.
Key Takeaways
- Angelina Jolie has displayed her double mastectomy scars on the cover of TIME France, reinforcing her advocacy for breast cancer awareness.
- Her decision to undergo preventative surgery was driven by a BRCA1 gene mutation discovered in 2013.
- She stresses that access to genetic testing, screening, and care must not be limited by finances or geography.
Angelina Jolie’s public revelation of her scars and her continued advocacy serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection, informed decision‑making, and equitable access to medical care for all women.
