Angelina Jolie has recently opened up about how her latest role in the film *Couture* has facilitated vital discussions about breast cancer with her daughters. At a recent event marking the celebration of her new film, Jolie, aged 51, shared her experiences relating to the character she portrays: a filmmaker diagnosed with breast cancer. This poignant storyline has provided a backdrop for conversations not only within the film but also in her personal life.
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In an interview with *Hello Magazine* during the Vertical Celebrates Couture event at The Whitby Hotel, Jolie revealed that her portrayal has encouraged dialogue concerning the disease within her family. The actress indicated that the film serves as a stepping stone to educate her daughters about the genetic factors associated with breast cancer, especially given her own family history with the illness. Jolie’s mother, Marcheline Bertrand, passed away in 2007 after battling breast and ovarian cancer.
Jolie emphasised that while she has previously discussed these topics with her children, the film’s release prompted more in-depth discussions about genetic risks and advancements in medical science. “We talked about what the film is about, and it got us into the conversation about the gene and whether they might carry it too,” said Jolie. She further expressed a desire for her children to understand the broader implications of medical advancements and reassured them about the importance of not being fearful in the face of challenges.
As a mother to six children—Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne—Jolie expressed her belief that adversity is a part of life shared by all. She noted, “All of us are being challenged in one way or another, and all of us have choices to make about how we approach that.” This perspective extends to her role as a parent, where she seeks to instil resilience and support in her children.
Jolie has a personal connection to the conversation surrounding breast cancer, having made significant medical decisions of her own in light of her genetic predisposition. In a revealing 2013 op-ed for *The New York Times*, she described her decision to undergo a double mastectomy after discovering she carried the BRCA1 gene, which significantly increases the risk of developing both breast and ovarian cancer. “The decision to have a mastectomy was not easy,” Jolie stated, adding, “but it is one I am very happy that I made.” As a result, she noted her risk of cancer plummeted from 87 per cent to under 5 per cent.
In 2015, Jolie took an additional preventative measure by having her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed, further protecting her against ovarian cancer. Her proactive health choices have not only provided her with peace of mind but also the ability to reassure her children about their future. “I can tell my children that they don’t need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer,” she remarked.
Reflecting on her medical journey, Jolie expressed a positive attitude towards her scars, which serve as reminders of her resilience and proactive health measures. In a past interview, she explained, “I see my scars as a choice I made to do what I could do to stay here as long as possible with my children.” She considers these physical reminders as symbols of her life experiences and choices, emphasising that true living involves embracing imperfections.
Jolie’s views on her scars encapsulate her approach to motherhood and life as a whole. “If you get to the end of your life and you haven’t made mistakes or haven’t lived a full enough life, I think that’s a missed opportunity,” she concluded. By sharing her journey, she hopes to inspire her children and others to face health challenges with courage and understanding.
As *Couture* continues to prompt important conversations regarding breast cancer and genetics, Jolie’s commitment to these discussions highlights the significant role of personal choices in managing health and the importance of open dialogue within families. Her narrative not only showcases her resilience but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of awareness and education when it comes to hereditary health issues.