Angelina Jolie Has Double Mastectomy Because Of 87% Breast Cancer Risk

Actress Angelina Jolie, who carries a mutation in her BRCA1 gene, announced that she has had a double mastectomy. Women who carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation have a significantly higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers.

According to Angelina Jolie, her lifetime risk of developing breast cancer before having her breasts surgically removed was 87%. Having the BRCA1 mutation also means a 50% lifetime risk of ovarian cancer.

According to scientists at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, carrying the BRCA1 mutation may also be linked to other cancers.

Jolie's mother, Marcheline Bertrand, died of ovarian cancer* on January 27th, 2007. Jolie elected to have a double mastectomy to minimize her risk of breast cancer. She has also intimated that she may consider having her ovaries removed (Oophorectomy).

Joni Eareckson Tada Not Shaken by Breast Cancer

(Photo: Joni and Friends)

In this undated photo, Joni Eareckson Tada smiles as she sees a little boy in Ghana with cerebral palsy walk for the first time with his new walker.

By Lillian Kwon , Christian Post Reporter

After 43 years of living paralyzed from the neck down and recently learning that she now has breast cancer, Joni Eareckson Tada remains all smiles.

"I want to assure you that I am genuinely content to receive from God whatever He deems fit for me even if it is from His left hand because better something from His left hand than no hand at all, right?" the beloved disability advocate and quadriplegic said in a video message to supporters.