Angelina Jolie recently described her double mastectomy scars as a conscious choice she made to prolong her life and be with her children. The actress shared these insights during an interview with French Inter ahead of the release of her new film Couture, which features her portraying a character diagnosed with breast cancer. Jolie’s openness about her scars highlights her proactive approach to health amid her personal family history.
Surgeon Praises Jolie’s Perspective on Scars as Symbols of Survival
Dr. Kristi Funk, Angelina Jolie’s breast cancer surgeon who performed the mastectomy, responded positively to the actress’s statement, calling it a reflection of a seldom-seen healing process. In an Instagram post dated February 13, Dr. Funk emphasized the significance of Jolie referring to her scars as a “choice,” underscoring that this label symbolizes life itself. Funk recalled Jolie’s brave and deeply personal decision, which significantly altered her body but offered her a strong chance at avoiding breast cancer.
“I was her surgeon. I made those scars,”
Funk wrote, acknowledging her role while highlighting the courage behind the decision.
Dr. Funk went on to say,
“Hearing her now call them a ‘Choice’ — because they mean Life — reveals the full circle of healing most people never see. When I first met Angie, she made a brave, deeply personal decision — one that would forever change her body, but also give her a near-guarantee of a breast cancer–free life.”
She further described scars not as disfigurements but as visible testaments of survival, sharing,
“Scars are not disfigurements — they are choices to survive, made visible,”
and
“tell stories of courage, love, and second chances.”
Funk encouraged others to share their own scar stories in the comments on her Instagram post.
Community Responses Highlight Trust in Dr. Funk’s Care
Among the responses to Dr. Funk’s post was a message from a grateful patient who recalled seeking a second opinion six years prior. This individual expressed deep appreciation for the doctor’s dedication and care during a challenging time. The patient wrote,
“You were my doctor that I sought out for a second opinion and I remember you had just left surgery and you were sitting in the hospital and took my video call,”
followed by
This was six years ago. I was so grateful for you then and I remain eternally grateful for you now. You are such an incredible and caring doctor 🩷.”
Jolie Reflects on the Meaning Scars Hold in Her Life
In her discussion with French Inter, Angelina Jolie shared that she has always been drawn to the stories scars tell, rather than pursuing an unrealistic ideal of a scar-free life. She explained,
“I’m not drawn to some perfect idea of a life that has no scars. So no, I think, hey, you know, I see my scars are a choice I made to do what I could do to stay here as long as I could with my children.”
The actress expressed gratitude for the ability to make decisions that positively impacted her health and acknowledged the personal loss she endured after her mother passed away. Jolie stated,
“I love my scars because of that, you know, and I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to have the choice to do something proactive about my health. I lost my mom when I was young, and I’m raising my children without a grandmother.”
Family History and Medical Background Behind Jolie’s Choice
Angelina Jolie’s mother, Marcheline Bertrand, died from cancer at age 56 in 2007. Beginning in 2013, Jolie revealed in a New York Times op-ed that she had tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation, which significantly increases breast cancer risk. This genetic predisposition informed her decision for preventive surgery to reduce her chances of developing the disease.
Portrayal of Breast Cancer in Jolie’s Upcoming Film Couture
Jolie’s latest film, Couture, set during Paris Fashion Week, centers on a filmmaker undergoing a divorce who receives a breast cancer diagnosis. In the film, Jolie performs in both English and French, offering a nuanced portrayal of the character’s emotional and physical journey. The movie premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival in September and is set for wider release soon, drawing additional attention to the realities of breast cancer and raising awareness through cinema.
Impact and Ongoing Conversation Around Personal Health Choices
Angelina Jolie’s candidness about her mastectomy scars contributes to a broader dialogue on the significance of body choices in the face of illness. By framing her scars as a symbol of survival and a deliberate act of care for her family, she challenges societal stigmas around visible surgical marks. The public and medical community responses demonstrate the powerful effect of such openness, fostering support and understanding for others facing similar decisions.
