I always knew what breast cancer was but forgot to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages. This was not until my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 50 and underwent a double mastectomy. I now constantly warn other women to get their breasts checked for this life threatening disease.  However, after Angelina Jolie who was in a high-risk cancer category announced this year she had a preventative double mastectomy, many women are now taking it a few steps further and also demanding breast removal surgery- even if they don’t need it.

I’ll never forget the day my mother came out of surgery after having a double mastectomy. To be quite honest, I didn’t even want to link it to the word breast cancer. Maybe it was because I had never had my breasts checked and was absolutely terrified of the fact that I could possibly show symptoms. I was also angry for being so naïve in believing something like “that” could never happen to me.  But here my mom was, bright eyed and bushy tailed as usual and thankful to have undergone a successful surgery without any complications. A true inspiration to many women, she showed courage and strength through one of her most difficult times in her life. Now, as her daughter I also have to be brave with the realization that breast cancer can be hereditary and therefore I check my breasts once a month through a self-examination or through a professional consultation once every 6 months at my gynecologist.

Today, we can further debate this topic on the prevention of breast cancer by actually going full force and removing your breasts before showing any symptoms.  In May, actress Angelina Jolie stunned the world when she revealed that she’d undergone a preventive double mastectomy after genetic testing showed she was at a high risk for developing breast and ovarian cancer. Inspired by this, many women across the globe decided to follow their role model by also getting their breasts removed- even if they were not at high risk.

Now, after learning about Angelina Jolie’s decision along with many other women to remove their breasts, personally I would not be able to bring myself to do it unless I had no choice.  We at Beauty Bulletin would like to know your take on this discussion.  Also, take a look at a video of my mother Jenny Katz talking about her experience being diagnosed with breast cancer and what her take is on the Angelina Jolie saga.

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