Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes ofwebsite accessibility

Lowcountry woman faces same decision as Angelina Jolie


Doctor: Jolie's medical decisions not for every woman
Doctor: Jolie's medical decisions not for every woman
Facebook Share IconTwitter Share IconEmail Share Icon

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) -- A famous actress who recently revealed she underwent a double mastectomy announced that she made yet another medical journey and had more reproductive organs removed.

Stephanie Matthews knows all too well the risks of ovarian cancer that Angelina Jolie faced.

"I tested BRCA-1 positive," said Matthews. "My mother was diagnosed at 30 with breast cancer and passed away at the age of 48."

In a New York Times op-ed, Jolie announced she had her ovaries and Fallopian tubes removed after doctors found early signs of the disease.

"It brings it all back from August and everything that I went through," said Matthews.

Matthews also had two aunts and a great grandmother who battled breast cancer. That's why she made a preventative choice last year.

"I chose to do a preventative bi-lateral mastectomy in august of 2014," said Matthews.

Since then, the threat of breast cancer is gone. But like Jolie, Matthews is dealing with the threat of ovarian cancer.

"I have had ultrasounds done and everything looks good and healthy, so I'm keeping a close eye," said Matthews. "Of course, removing the ovaries will send me into menopause and that's my biggest concern."

"Very clearly, there is an impact of taking out the ovaries and Fallopian tubes of women who have a known mutation of the BRCA gene," said Dr. Thomas Jennings, a gynecological oncologist at Roper St. Francis.

Dr. Jennings says a preventative hysterectomy is not the best decision for every woman.

"It's a big step and everybody is different," said Dr. Jennings. "As a group you kind of look at them as individualized based on each patient's family history."

Matthews hasn't decided whether to have her ovaries removed. She says she'll make her decision in about a year. Until then, Matthews is happy being breast cancer-free.

There are other options for reducing your risk of ovarian cancer, including alternative medicines. Doctors say anyone considering surgery should consult their doctor before making any decisions.

Loading ...