The 45-year-old actress, who was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy in 2008, revealed she made the decision to prevent another cancer diagnosis.
'Two weeks ago, I had my ovaries and [fallopian] tubes removed. My cousin passed away from ovarian cancer in 2008. I could prevent that. That’s how I’ve taken control of everything.
SHE SAID IN HER OWN WORDS:::'It’s a relief. That’s one other thing off the table. Now, let’s hope I don’t get hit by a bus.' The Anchorman star joked.
Applegate has the inherited BRCA1 genetic mutation which increases her chances of developing cancer.
The Hollywood-born star is married to Dutch musician Martyn LeNoble and they have six-year-old daughter Sadie.
The actress went on to explain that she has completely transformed her lifestyle since her cancer diagnosis in 2008, avoiding ingesting chemicals wherever she can as well as stress.
She advised at-risk women to be diligent about what they put in their bodies and said she tries to make sure her family eats super clean.
Applegate has the BRCA1 genetic mutation which means she is highly likely to develop cancer. She had a double mastectomy in 2008 after finding cancer in her left breast
'We grow our own vegetables. That’s not an option for everyone. But just get a tomato plant! We're a 100 percent organic house.' she explained.
Applegate acknowledges that not everyone can afford to eat organic produce but she advised 'maybe skip your morning latte and get organic vegetables for the week.'
She continued: 'My daughter is a vegetarian and practically vegan. That’s her choice. That’s how she eats. We’re really conscious about what we buy. Get some kale! Plant some green kale in your backyard and throw it into everything.'
While Sadie's chances of having the BRCA gene are 'very high' Applegate said she is doing everything she can 'on her end' knowing that she’ll have to start getting tested when she reaches her 20s.
The Hollywood-born star is married to Dutch musician Martyn LeNoble and they have six-year-old daughter Sadie
The Anchorman star has transformed her lifestyle after learning she is at greater risk of developing cancer. She avoids chemicals in her food and tries to live a stress-free life
The Married With Children star told Today she believes the other big killer is stress, which she said is especially prevalent right now with everyone 'bombarded by what’s going on in our world'.
'We’re living in a bizarre time. Breathe deeper. That’s a big one for me. I used to be a stressed out person. I’m not anymore. I try to find the lining in everything in life.'
Applegate's breast cancer was detected early because she was having annual mammograms from the age of 30 due to her family history of the disease.
After a course of radiation therapy to treat the cancer in her left breast, and after further testing, she finally learned she had the BRCA1 gene.
The best preventative method in the incidence of the gene is to have both breasts entirely removed, a decision Applegate made quickly.
Speaking to Oprah in 2008 just after her mastectomy, Ms Applegate said: 'It came on really fast. It was one of those things that I woke up and it felt so right,' she says. 'I was just going to let them go.'
While Sadie's chances of having the BRCA gene are 'very high' Applegate said she is doing everything she can 'on her end' knowing that she’ll have to start getting tested when she reaches her 20s
Applegate founded Right Action for Women, a donation-based charity which helps provide financial assistance for women to undergo MRI's and other testing.
Meanwhile, Veep star Julia Louis-Dreyfus, 56, announced last month that she is battling breast cancer.
Applegate offered her support on Twitter, writing: 'Mama, find me. Let's talk if you want'.
In 2013 actress Angelina Jolie, 42, underwent a double mastectomy and then had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed two years later, after discovering she has the BRCA1 mutation.
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