(CNN)Angelina Jolie's essay in the New York Times revealing that she had her ovaries and Fallopian tubes removed to lower her risk of cancer provoked an outpouring of support as the news spread across social media. Jolie, 39, wrote that she had opted for the surgery after blood tests revealed markers that might have been an indication of early cancer. Two years ago, she underwent a double mastectomy for similar reasons. Jolie's mother died of ovarian cancer, and the actress has a gene mutation that makes her chances of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer much higher than the overall population. Many were inspired by her decision and her choice to open up about the surgery. Others saw an opportunity for helping educate women and advocate for their health, a cause near and dear to Jolie's own heart. Some worried for the star, who wrote in her op-ed that "the fact is I remain prone to cancer." The Internet being what it is, others took Jolie's announcement as a chance to mock. Most, however, weren't having any of it.
Praise pours in for Angelina Jolie's decision to go public with surgery decision . She had ovaries, Fallopian tubes removed to reduce cancer risk, she says in New York Times . "Angelina Jolie is an amazing woman," one Twitter user wrote .