Angelina Jolie Urges Women to Undergo Cancer Screenings in Honor of Late Mother’s Birthday

Angelina Jolie, the 47-year-old Oscar winner, took to Instagram on May 8, World Ovarian Cancer Day, to commemorate what would have been her mother's 73rd birthday.

In a heartfelt post, Jolie shared an old photo of herself with her mom, Marcheline Bertrand, who passed away 15 years ago after battling bre-st and ovarian cancer.

Reflecting on her own journey, Jolie revealed that she is now approaching the age at which her mother was diagnosed.

Despite undergoing preventive surgeries to reduce her risk, she continues to have regular check-ups.

In 2013, she underwent a preventative double mastectomy, followed by the removal of her ovaries and fallopian tubes.

The actress also disclosed that she lost her aunt and grandmother to cancer, underscoring the devastating impact the disease has had on her family.

In light of these experiences, Jolie expressed her condolences to others who have lost loved ones and urged women to prioritize their health by getting routine mammograms and other cancer screenings, especially if they have a family history of the disease.

Jolie concluded her message by including the hashtags #WOCD2023 and #worldovariancancerday, along with a link to the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition's website in her Instagram bio.

In 2019, Jolie penned an emotional essay for Time magazine, where she discussed the pain of witnessing her mother's battle with cancer.

She recounted a moment during her mother's chemotherapy treatment when she had to quickly call for a nurse as her mother's condition worsened.

Reflecting on advancements in cancer treatment, Jolie emphasized the importance of personalized medication to minimize the debilitating side effects of chemotherapy.

Addressing the impact of her own medical decisions, Jolie explained that she made choices aimed at improving her chances of being present for her children's futures and meeting her grandchildren.

Having lived for over a decade without her mother, who only had the opportunity to meet a few of her grandchildren due to her illness, Jolie shared her hope that her choices will allow her to live longer.

As Jolie continues to advocate for cancer prevention and screenings, she encourages women to prioritize their well-being and take the necessary steps to safeguard their health.

By sharing her personal experiences, she aims to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and proactive measures against bre-st and ovarian cancer.