Breast cancer kills over 450,000 people every year globally and those with faulty breast cancer genes are five times more likely to develop breast cancer. This was the case with popular Oscar-winning actress, Angelina Jolie, who announced this morning that she has undergone a double mastectomy. Due to her hereditary genes putting her at an 87 percent risk for breast cancer, Angelina made the choice to undergo the surgical process and though it was not easy, she said, “I don’t feel any less like a woman. I know I made the right choice and I feel empowered by my decision.” Serving as an inspiration to women, many have voiced their support and praised Angelina for her courage and willingness to share the information with the public. Queenie Chu (朱慧敏), one of the lead stars in the popular sitcom, Come Home Love <愛·回家>, was inspired by Angelina’s courage in facing the disease. Queenie also comes from a family with the faulty genes and lost her mother and aunt to breast cancer. Mastectomy is a Definite Option Queenie said, “I’ve thought about getting the surgery when I was in my early twenties.” Queenie told the press. Queenie’s mother passed away in 2005 from breast cancer, so she understands the pain of losing someone from this disease and does not wish to suffer such painful experiences. That is why Queenie considered getting a mastectomy to significantly lower the chances of actually developing the cancer. Queenie, who visits the doctor every six months for a checkup, replied, “I did think about it when I was younger, but now I want to wait until I’m married with children. Besides, today’s technology is highly advanced so implants look very natural and realistic!” Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Many popular stars have been affected by this ordeal; since they discovered it during the earlier stages, many have survived. These survivors include, Cantopop singer Frances Yip (葉麗儀), Liza Wang (汪明荃), Tsai Chin (蔡琴), Esther Wan (溫裕紅), Mandy Lam (林淑敏), and Fanny Sit (薛芷倫). Creds: ihktv
