Brad Pitt: Angelina is 'heroic'

Dr Kristi Funk, founder and medical director of the Pink Lotus Breast Centre where Angeline Jolie had a double mastectomy has written a blog about the actress's treatment.

Yesterday, Jolie announced she had underwent the procedure after learning she had a 87% chance of developing breast cancer.

It outlines the main stages of her initial operation through to the end of her surgical journey.

Dr Funk also wrote: "Breast and ovarian cancers take lives every day – knowledge and action can help prevent the premature loss of those who love us, and whom we deeply love in return.

"Like Angelina, I urge women who feel they might have reason to be at risk for a BRCA gene mutation – perhaps because of a strong family history of cancer – to seek medical advice and to take control of their futures".

New York Times columnist Nick Kristof said he has spoken to Angelina Jolie and the actress is "grateful and overwhelmed by the outpouring of public support" following the news she had undergone a double mastectomy.

The medical centre where Angelina Jolie underwent her double mastectomy has applauded the actress' decision to undergo a double mastectomy.

Dr. Kristi Funk, founder and medical director of the Pink Lotus Breast Center in Beverly Hills, California, said it "applauds Angelina Jolie's bold choices regarding her BRCA mutation".

"We hope that the awareness she is raising around the world will save countless lives", Dr Funk added.

Angelina Jolie announced she had a preventative double mastectomy after discovering she was a carrier of the BRCA1 gene, which increases her risk of developing cancer.

The actress has received much praise for publicising her operation - from breast cancer charities and many others.

Her partner Brad Pitt described her as "absolutely heroic", while Kylie Minogue thanked Jolie for "sharing her story".

ITV News reporter Martha Fairlie reports:

Kylie Minogue, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, has thanked Angelina Jolie for sharing her story:

Kylie went through surgery and chemotherapy after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Brad Pitt described his partner Angelina Jolie as "heroic" after the actress revealed she underwent a preventative double mastectomy.

He told the Evening Standard: “Having witnessed this decision firsthand, I find Angie’s choice, as well as so many others like her, absolutely heroic. I thank our medical team for their care and focus.

"All I want for is for her to have a long and healthy life, with myself and our children. This is a happy day for our family”, Pitt added.