Angelina Jolie's decision to have a preventative double mastectomy was "absolutely heroic", according to her partner Brad Pitt.

The 37-year-old Hollywood star took the decision to have the procedure because she carries the ''faulty'' gene BRCA1, which sharply increases her risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

Angelina revealed the news in an article for The New York Times and has been praised by health campaigners for helping raise awareness of breast cancer.

Fight Club star Brad said it marked "a happy day for our family".

Speaking to the Evening Standard, he said: "Having witnessed this decision first hand, 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."

The Tomb Raider Actress and campaigner said doctors told her she had an 87% risk of breast cancer and a 50% risk of ovarian cancer.

She said she was writing about her ordeal in the hope that other women might benefit from her experience.

The star, in an article entitled My Medical Choice, said she finished the three months of medical procedures on April 27, and added: ''During that time I have been able to keep this private and to carry on with my work.''

She wrote: ''I am fortunate to have a partner, Brad Pitt, who is so loving and supportive."

Jolie joined a growing list of female celebrities that have made public their own battles with breast cancer.

Grammy-winning rock star Sheryl Crow was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in February 2006 after a routine mammogram.

Australian pop star Kylie Minogue was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and went through surgery and chemotherapy. Her 2006 "Showgirl Homecoming Tour" represented her comeback from cancer.

Australian singer Olivia Newton-John was diagnosed in 1992 and underwent a partial mastectomy and chemotherapy.

Christina Applegate had both breasts removed to combat the disease, after revealing she bore a genetic risk for developing breast cancer, and she said her surgery was meant to prevent the cancer she suffered in one breast from coming back.

Sharon Osbourne, who developed colon cancer in 2002, underwent a double mastectomy in 2012 as a precaution after she discovered she carried the gene which made her a likely risk for breast cancer.

Oscar winner Kathy Bates revealed in September that she had undergone a double mastectomy to fight a cancer diagnosis.

Other famous women who shared their battle with breast cancer include Melissa Etheridge, Edie Falco, Maggie Smith and fashion designer Betsey Johnson.