Doctors explain the 'Angelina' effect
Angelina Jolie announced in 2013 that she had a preventive double mastectomy after testing positive for a mutation of the breast cancer gene.
After her story, inquiries for genetic testing increased ten-fold.
Two weeks ago the star had a blood test, showing what could be early stage ovarian cancer.
The disease killed Jolie’s mother, aunt and grandmother, so the actress decided to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Now doctors expect another "Angelina" effect.
"(We are) definitely expecting an increased level of interest," said gynecologist Professor Ingrid Winship.
The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes make a chemical to help the body prevent cancer.
Faults in either gene mean women are 40 per cent more likely to develop breast or ovarian cancer.
“Women at high risk should consider this surgery as soon as they are done having children,” said Dr Anna Boltong from Cancer Council Support Services.
Ovarian cancer patient Karen Livingstone, has also made the decision to have her ovaries removed.
She has already had one ovary removed and is prepared to remove the other.
"It's empowering, knowledge is power,” said Karen whose own mother was also killed by the disease.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal or pelvic pain and increased abdominal size or persistent bloating. Other symptoms include needing to urinate often or urgently and feeling full after eating a small amount.
Dr David Wrede said that women must consider their options when it comes to ovarian cancer.
Women with concerns are advised to talk to their GP about genetic testing or call the Cancer Council.
While the operation has real benefits it also means that Angelina Jolie is now in menopause and will not have any more children.
Still, her six children will never have to say 'my Mum died of ovarian cancer.'
