Women With Genetic Marker For Cancer Opting For Major Surgery

DENVER (CBS4)- Angelina Jolie's public life as an actress and as Special Envoy of the United Nations has put her latest choices for elective surgery in the spotlight, but she's not the only one.

Jolie underwent surgery last week to remover her ovaries. In 2013, she had a double mastectomy. Both procedures were to reduce her risk of cancer.

Jolie has a history of both breast and ovarian cancer in her family. She tested positive for a genetic marker that indicates she is likely to develop the disease.

That testing has been around for more than a decade. For many women, being proactive is empowering.

"On the other side now, I'm healthy and strong and I don't have one regret, not one," said Robin Seaber.

Seaber had her ovaries removed 13 years ago. In 2012, she had a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.

"Ovarian cancer is a really scary, hard-to-find cancer and I didn't want to wait," said Seaber.

In an Op/Ed article in the New York Times, Jolie wrote, "I feel at ease with whatever will come, not because I am strong but because this is a part of my life. It is nothing to be feared."

"If you have this gene, removing the ovaries will significantly reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer as much as 90 percent," said CBS4 Medical Editor Dr. Dave Hnida.

The results of a surgery like Jolie and Seaber underwent are life changing.

"We call that an early, abrupt menopause and that's really rough on the body. For many women they suffer severe hot flashes, severe mood swings, there's almost an accelerated risk of bone loss," said Hnida.

"It took a toll on my hair, my figure a little bit, my skin for sure, but it was worth it," said Seaber.

In her Op/Ed article, Jolie encouraged women to do their own research and make the decision that's right for them.