© Christopher Polk/Getty ImagesMelissa Etheridge performs on stage at Deer Valley Celebrity Skifest at the Montage Deer Valley on December 8, 2012 in Park City, Utah.
During a recent interview with the Washington Blade, the 52-year-old rocker was asked her opinion on Jolie's double mastectomy, and her sentiments did not echo those of other celebrities who lauded the 38-year-old mother of six. Etheridge said, "I wouldn't call it the brave choice." She added, "I actually think it's the most fearful choice you can make when confronting anything with cancer."
Both Etheridge and Jolie carry the BRCA1 gene, which sharply increase their chances of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Jolie opted to undergo the surgery because of the odds stacked against her health, and her decision landed her on the cover of Time. Etheridge, however, believes environmental factors should be considered over Jolie's decision, which she described as "way down the line on the spectrum of what you can do..." She said, "My belief is that cancer comes from inside you and so much of it has to do with the environment of your body. It's the stress that will turn that gene on or not."
Diagnosed in 2004 with breast cancer, Etheridge has been cancer-free for nine years. The New York Post says she has since been heavily involved in cancer research advocacy. A double mastectomy, she said, is "not something I would believe in for myself."
Another huge factor that comes into play when pondering preventative treatment is healthcare, as many experts have noted that most women facing the same diagnosis likely do not have the same level of coverage as Jolie, thus making it a non-option for them. Jolie is well-aware of this fact, which is why, according to her hubby, she is on a mission to make BRCA1 testing available to the masses.
Pitt and Etheridge are old pals, and he told Us Weekly after hearing the news of her comments, "Melissa's an old friend of mine. I'm sure we'll talk on the phone."
I thought much the same when hearing of the situation, and the easiest thing to do is eliminate it as quickly as possible by surgery. Stalin was good at that, though it doesn't stop the paranoia and fear but for the moment, but then Jolie doesn't have Mz E's inner strength, she's an actress best known for playing sexy killers with personal problems, some would say it's art imitating life. Negative desire attraction. Can't help but think the attractor remains in place, with only the immediate attractive material disposed of. She seems to have been born on that fence and avoiding the necessary decision to get off.