To prevent breast cancer, Jolie had double mastectomy

Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie says she has had double mastectomy to reduce her risk of getting breast cancer.

The 37-year-old said she had had reconstructive surgery with implants, nine weeks after the operation at the start of February.

"For any woman reading this, I hope it helps you to know you have options," the actress wrote in the New York Times, reports dailystar.co.uk.

"I want to encourage every woman, especially if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, to seek out the information and medical experts who can help you through this aspect of your life, and to make your own informed choices," she wrote.

She added that her chances of getting the potentially deadly disease have dropped from 87 percent to just five percent.

Crediting her partner Brad Pitt for his support, she added that the procedure had brought them closer as a couple.

Discussing her minimal scars after surgery, Angelina said: "On a personal note, I do not feel any less of a woman. I feel empowered that I made a strong choice that in no way diminishes my femininity."

Jolie revealed that her mum died of breast cancer at the age of 56, and doctors told her she had an 87 percent chance of getting the disease herself.

She said she was going public with the news so that other women can see what options are available to them.