Mastectomy is a surgery that removes your entire breast to get rid of your breast cancer. If a woman cannot be treated with breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), Mastectomy may be diagnosed. During a Mastectomy, other tissues near the breast (lymph nodes) may be removed as well. In some cases, a mastectomy is done to help prevent breast cancer in women who have a high risk for it.
Another use of Mastectomy surgery is for those seeking gender-affirming surgery, which alters the characteristics of the chest. Typically, all of the breast tissue will be removed from both breasts (complete mastectomy).
Angelina Jolie
As her mother fought with breast cancer for almost a decade and lost the battle at only 56 years old; Angelina Jolie underwent a double mastectomy to avoid getting breast cancer. The prophylactic double mastectomy removes both breasts even though she wasn’t diagnosed with breast cancer. Due to carrying the BRCA1 gene, Jolie’s chances of developing breast or ovarian cancer were significantly high. Jolie’s healthcare providers estimated she had an 87% chance of breast cancer and a 50% chance of ovarian cancer. She also lost her grandmother and aunt to this disease. Nowadays, she has a less than 5% chance of developing breast cancer.
Elliot Page
Formerly known as Ellen Page (the star of ‘Juno’ and ‘Inception’), Elliot came out as transgender in 2020. Elliot had top surgery as part of his transition. This involves the removal of the breast tissue to create a masculine chest.
Liv Hewson
Liv Hewson, The non-binary Yellowjackets star, a procedure known as subcutaneous mastectomy. They revealed in an interview how they wanted top surgery for a decade. Top surgery, or masculinizing chest surgery involves the removal of breast tissue.
Shirley Temple
As the most famous child star in the 1930s and 1940s, Shirley Temple Black was known for playing outspoken, brave, feisty characters. At the age of 44 in the 70’s, Temple was diagnosed with breast cancer. The tumor was removed, and a modified radical mastectomy was performed. During a time of hushed whispers surrounding the topic of cancer, Temple made a public disclosure which was a significant milestone in improving breast cancer awareness and reducing stigma around the disease. The actress went into remission and lived the remainder of her life as a passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness. She passed away on February 10th, 2014, at age 85.
Chaz Bono
First introduced to the world as Chastity, a golden-haired little girl in the arms of her famous parents, Sonny and Cher, Chaz later underwent gender reassignment surgery. In 2008, Bono decided to undergo gender transition with hormone injections and surgery. Double Mastectomy, between 2008 and 2010, Bono underwent a female-to-male gender transition.
Christina Applegate
Diagnosed with breast cancer at 36 years old, the actress Christina Applegate, had a prophylactic double mastectomy. Applegate tested positive for the BRCA-1 breast cancer gene mutation, which elevated her risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Following her double mastectomy, Applegate underwent breast reconstruction surgery in 2008.
Kylie Minogue
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, Kylie Minogue was just 36 years old. The disease was detected at an early stage, and it appears that the cancer cells have not spread to other parts of her body. Having to put her music career on hold for a year, she went through an 8-month cycle of chemotherapy and radiation. She was declared in remission in 2006.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision of celebrities to publicly share their experiences with mastectomies has had a profound impact on public awareness about breast cancer and the choices available for those at high risk. These high-profile cases have not only sparked important conversations about health, body image, and personal choice, but have also provided comfort and inspiration to those facing similar decisions. However, it's crucial to remember that each individual's journey is unique, and what works for one person may not be the best choice for another. Therefore, anyone considering a mastectomy should consult with medical professionals to understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives based on their personal health situation and genetic predisposition.
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