Angelina Jolie Reflects on Double Mastectomy Scars

The actress says her scars are a 'choice' she's 'grateful' she was able to make.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In a rare interview, Angelina Jolie opened up about her decision to undergo a double mastectomy in 2013 after testing positive for a BRCA1 gene mutation. Jolie said she is 'grateful' she was able to make the choice to have the preventative procedure and that her scars are a symbol of her determination to 'stay here as long as I could with my children'.

Why it matters

Jolie's candid comments about her mastectomy scars shed light on the deeply personal nature of such medical decisions, especially for high-profile individuals. Her perspective provides insight into how survivors can view their scars as a source of empowerment rather than shame.

The details

Jolie underwent the double mastectomy in 2013 after doctors told her she had an 87% chance of developing breast cancer. She later also had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed as a preventative measure. In a new interview, Jolie said she views her scars as a 'choice' she is 'grateful' she was able to make in order to stay alive for her six children.

  • Jolie underwent the double mastectomy in 2013.
  • Two years later, in 2015, Jolie also had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed.

The players

Angelina Jolie

A 50-year-old Oscar-winning actress who underwent a double mastectomy in 2013 after testing positive for a BRCA1 gene mutation, putting her at high risk for breast cancer.

Marcheline Bertrand

Jolie's mother, who passed away from cancer at the age of 56 when Jolie was young, inspiring Jolie's decision to be proactive about her own health.

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What they’re saying

“My scars are a choice I made to stay here as long as I could with my children. I love my scars because of that. And I'm grateful that I had the opportunity and the choice to do something proactive about my health.”

— Angelina Jolie (France Inter)

“I've always been someone more interested in the scars and the life that people carry. I'm not drawn to a perfect idea of a life that has no scars.”

— Angelina Jolie (France Inter)

The takeaway

Jolie's openness about her mastectomy scars underscores how survivors can reclaim their bodies and find empowerment in their medical journeys, even in the face of difficult decisions. Her perspective offers an inspiring example of how to approach life's challenges with resilience and self-acceptance.