When you have a family history of cancer, the risk for getting it yourself increases. It is important to take as many precautions as possible to reduce the risk of getting cancer, especially if it already runs in your family.
Today, actress Angelina Jolie shared her story about her family history of cancer and what she decided to do to reduce her chances of getting it.
The New York Times ran her article this morning. In the article, she explains going through a mastectomy after being tested for BRCA1 (a gene that increases the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer) and why she chose this path. She said, "I decided to be proactive and to minimize the risk as much as I could. I made the decision to have a preventative double mastectomy."
Angelina wanted to share her story with women so they can take-charge and not be scared of cancer, so they knew they had options. I created EmpowHER for this reason, to inform women and give them a resource to turn to.
I saw Angelina just four weeks ago at the Women in the World event and she looked absolutely radiant. She is my hero for having the strength and courage to share her story to help other women.
Share her story with all the women you know so we can spread the word.
Here is a link to the article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/14/opinion/my-medical-choice.html?smid=fb...