Sophia Fyrou, Angelina Jolie, Kate Bates: Women Who Underwent Mastectomy and Hysterectomy and Emerged Stronger

When discussing femininity, health, and strength, the experiences of women who choose—or are compelled—to undergo mastectomy or hysterectomy often don’t get the attention they deserve. However, several famous women have paved the way by speaking openly about their bodies, loss, and new beginnings. Sophia Fyrou made a shocking revelation regarding her mastectomy due to an 85% risk of developing breast cancer. ‘Having overcome the toughest situation of my life, I feel it’s time to share with you all in hopes of raising awareness! A year ago, I decided to undergo reconstructive surgery on my breasts. My doctor, Mr. Mastorakos, considering my family history (my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at 39), advised me to take a genetic test. The results confirmed my worst fears—I carried the gene, and the likelihood of developing cancer exceeded 85%. I panicked, feared, and worried, but when I thought about my child and family, the decision became clear: prophylactic mastectomy,’ she wrote on Instagram. She continued, ‘The diagnosis was confirmed by the renowned professor Stephen Johnston. On November 21st, I underwent a nine-hour preventive bilateral mastectomy with Dr. Falakiou and Mr. Mastorakos, preserving my nipples and lymph nodes. On March 21st, I had the second reconstructive surgery using implants and fat from my body for as natural a result as possible! Don’t wait for symptoms—if you have a family history, get a genetic test IMMEDIATELY! I sincerely thank everyone who stood by me, my doctors, and especially the General Clinic Mother and its staff for their exceptional care and unwavering support! It felt like home rather than a hospital, surrounded by loved ones, always present, with dignity and a genuine smile.’ Similarly, Hollywood star Angelina Jolie sparked global discussion when she revealed undergoing a preventive double mastectomy in 2013 and an ovary and fallopian tube removal two years later due to the BRCA1 gene. ‘I made these choices to increase my chances of living and seeing my children grow up,’ she wrote in an article for The New York Times. ‘Knowing this was my reality, I decided to be proactive and minimize the risks as much as possible. I started with the breasts because the breast cancer risk is higher than ovarian cancer, and the surgical procedure is more complex,’ Jolie explained in her piece.