How Angelina Jolie's experience can help you fight cancer...

I was heartbroken when I learnt that Angeline Jolie had a surgery to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes as a preventative measure against cancer?

In 2013, she underwent a double mastectomy to reduce her chances of getting breast cancer and barely two years down the line, she has undergone another surgery to have her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. Just how much does one  have to go through to fight cancer?

Jolie and Pitt- CNN

Jolie, a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, carried a high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, hence her decision to undergo these surgeries. Her decision might sound extreme but cancer experts have said she is spot on.

Jolie's aunt, and grandmother all had ovarian cancer, and her mother had breast cancer as well. 

 Plus, Jolie who is 39 years old has a gene mutation of the BRCA1, that gives her about an 87% chance of getting breast and ovarian cancer sometime in her life. The decision to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes seemed the best course.

She first shared her experience on the 24th of March on The New York Times on her Diary of a Surgery

Having had her fallopian tubes and ovaries removed means that she cannot bear more children. However, Jolie already has six children, three whom are adopted.

Her decision to publicly share her story has resulted in women who share the same experience with Angeline, sharing their stories. It has also resulted in the "Angeline effect" which has seen an increased number of women in America going for genetic tests.

It has also sparked important conversations about women's health and some important decisions.

I am definate that you will conquer this battle and  Like you said " my children will never have to say: 'Mom died of ovarian cancer'."
In Zimbabwe, we may not have the necessary equipment to test for BRCA1, but you can be screened for breast and ovarian cancer around the country.

I encourage women in Zimbabwe and across the African continent, especially those with who have a family history of breast and ovarian cancer, to go for cancer screening so that cancer is detected whilst in the early stages. 
It is important that the disease is detected whilst in the early stages to increase your chances of successfully fighting cancer.

Free cervical cancer screening is done in government hospitals across the country. Visit you nearest hospital to find out how you may be assisted.
 The Zimbabwe Cancer Programme, does free cervical cancer screening offers Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid and Cervicography (VIAC). Centres in Bulawayo include United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), Mpopoma clinic, Mpilo Hospital and some private surgeries.

For more information about cervical cancer, you can read Dr Brighton Chireka's column on  the newzimbabwe website 
The Cancer Association of Zimbabwe also offers valuable education about all forms of cancer. You can visit their official Facebook page for more information.