Angelina Jolie's Surgeon, Dr Kristi Funk has discussed her patient's decision to undergo surgery for a double mastectomy. Funk appeared on September's edition of Los Angeles magazine. 

Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie at the World War Z premiere in London.

Angelina Jolie underwent a preventative double mastectomy, performed by Funk, in February. Jolie has the BRCA1 gene and had an 87% risk of contracting breast cancer. She also has a 50% chance (although medical professionals disagree on the exact figure) of contracting ovarian cancer. It is likely, according to People, that Jolie will have her ovaries removed to prevent this. 

Funk commented on why so many people criticised and doubted her decision. The major issue, she claims, was that the surgery was on the breasts which are seen are part of a women's identity and femininity. On the subject Funk said "when someone who is arguably the most beautiful woman in the world removes the part of her body that is symbolic of femininity and sexuality, you have to say, 'Why would she do that?"

In her New York Times Article Jolie discussed the difficulties of losing her mother at the age of 56. She wanted to reduce the chances of having to put her six children through that. 

Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie, two months after her surgery, appearing at the 4th Annual Women in the World Summit in New York.

Funk described Jolie's decision making process, saying "she is intensely private, but she calculated the moment when she would be ready to reveal something so personal" and that she "waited to find the perfect timing in her personal and professional life."

Jolie went public with her news when she realised that she could draw attention to such issues and provide support for women also undergoing such surgeries. Her first public appearance was at the London premiere of her husband Brad Pitt's latest film: World War Z. Speaking to reporters for E! on the red carpet, Jolie said "I've been very happy just to see the discussion about women's health expanded, and that means the world to me. And after losing my mom to these issues, I am very grateful for it. And I've been moved by the support of people."

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt at the premiere of World War Z.