Angelina Jolie has made a powerful and deeply personal decision to reveal her double mastectomy scars publicly for the first time—more than a decade after undergoing the life-saving surgery.
The actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian has long spoken openly about her health journey, but until now, she had chosen to keep the physical reminders of that choice private. Her decision to share them marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation around breast cancer prevention, body autonomy, and survival.
Angelina Jolie Mastectomy Scars Revealed After 12 Years
Now 50, Jolie appears on the cover of TIME France, where she is photographed wearing a low-cut sweater and gently covering one breast with her hand. Images showing her mastectomy scars are set to accompany a full interview released today, on December 18.
Explaining why she chose this moment to share them, Jolie said she wanted to stand alongside other women who have lived through similar experiences.
“I share these scars with many women I love,” she told the publication. “I’m always moved when I see other women share theirs.”
She added that her decision was also tied to TIME France’s focus on breast health education, prevention, and awareness.
Why Jolie Chose Preventive Surgery
Jolie underwent a preventive double mastectomy in 2013 after learning she carried the BRCA1 gene mutation. At the time, doctors estimated her risk of developing breast cancer at 87 percent, with a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer.
The choice was shaped by family history. Jolie lost both her mother and grandmother to cancer at relatively young ages, an experience that deeply influenced her outlook.
“I lost my mother and my grandmother very young,” she explained. “I chose to have a double mastectomy a decade ago. I’ve also had my ovaries removed, because that’s what took my mother.”
Her mother died at 56 after a long battle with cancer.
A Decision Rooted in Motherhood and Survival
One of the driving forces behind Jolie’s decision was her desire to be present for her children. The mother of six has previously spoken about wanting to reduce every possible health risk so she could watch them grow up.
Following the surgery, her risk of developing breast cancer dropped dramatically—from 87 percent to under five percent.
At the time, her then-husband Brad Pitt described the decision as “absolutely heroic.”
Redefining Strength, Femininity, and Choice
Jolie has consistently emphasized that her decision was deeply personal and not a prescription for others. She has been clear that every woman’s situation is different—and that choice should always remain central.
“These are my choices,” she said, stressing that she has no regrets.
She has also pushed back against the idea that the surgery diminished her identity or femininity.
“On a personal note, I do not feel any less of a woman,” she previously wrote. “I feel empowered that I made a strong choice that in no way diminishes my femininity.”
A Quiet Act of Solidarity
By sharing her scars now, Jolie joins countless women who have chosen visibility over silence. For many, the moment is less about celebrity and more about recognition, honesty, and shared strength.
It’s a reminder that survival often leaves marks—and that those marks can be worn with pride.
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