Angelina Jolie Ovaries Surgery Affects Latinas' View Eyes on Ovarian Cancer

For years, Angelina Jolie-Pitt has been great in influencing women to become empowered and independent just like her.  Just recently, she talks about her latest surgery that could not just save her but millions of other women who are suffering a deadly disease such as cancer.

Latin Times reported that Jolie Pitt has decided to undergo a surgery to remove her ovaries following her double mastectomy in 2013. Unfortunately, Jolie carries a BRCA1 gene mutation which increases risks of gynecological diseases such as breast and ovarian cancer.

Jolie said, "I did not do this solely because I carry the BRCA1 gene mutation, and I want other women to hear this. A positive BRCA test does not mean a leap to surgery. I have spoken to many doctors, surgeons and naturopaths. There are other options. Some women take birth control pills or rely on alternative medicines combined with frequent checks. There is more than one way to deal with any health issue. The most important thing is to learn about the options and choose what is right for you personally."

Furthermore, Jolie has been very optimistic in the battle for defeating cancer. Local online news cited her speech saying, "It is not possible to remove all risk, and the fact is I remain prone to cancer," Jolie said in her NYT op-ed. "I will look for natural ways to strengthen my immune system. I feel feminine, and grounded in the choices I am making for myself and my family. I know my children will never have to say 'Mom died of ovarian cancer."

How does cancer affect Latina women?

It has been noted that although cancer is not a popular disease among Latinas, studies show that there has already been 1,000 casualties which is a total of 6% of deaths caused by cancer. The study also revealed 3% or 2,000 new cases of ovarian cancer in 2012. These are the reasons why:

Lack of knowledge about the disease is one common reason. Many Latina women have not been able to do screening in their lives. A source noted that 6 out of 10 women who have never received a Pap test are prone to cervical cancer.

It also cited that more Latina women were diagnosed with early stages of Cancer compared to the Whites or African women.

Additionally, Latina women are having a hard time in reaching standard health care that Jolie received as a celebrity. Sadly, resources are scarce for unemployed and low-income Latina immigrants and non-immigrants in the US. This is a significant factor that prevents them from acquiring the best healthcare that they need especially with gynecological preventive treatments which includes vaccination, Pap and HPV tests.