A woman who has the same cancer gene as Angelina Jolie has described the Hollywood star as an inspiration.

Jolie revealed this week she decided to have her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed to lessen her chances of developing ovarian cancer.

It comes two years after the star had a double mastectomy to cut the risk of breast cancer.

Bobbie Lamden, from Haywards Heath, carries a mutation in the BRCA1 gene meaning she, like Jolie, has a 50% chance of developing ovarian cancer.

Ms Lamden, 33, has already had a double mastectomy herself but said she wants to have children before having her ovaries removed.

She said: “Angelina Jolie is in the fortunate position of already having a family and so was able to make the decision, which I think was very brave.

“In my case, I want to have children so it is not something I am thinking about at the moment.

“However, once that has happened then it would be something that I would consider in the future as obviously I want to be there for my children.”

Ms Hamden has a family history of cancer as her mother Della and her grandmother both developed the disease.

At the end of 2010, Ms Lamden found she had the same cancer gene as her mother and went on to have two MRIs and two mammograms.

She found a small lump in her left breast after one of the MRI scans and had a biopsy on the same day.

Although the lump was not cancerous, it made Ms Lamden realise how mentally draining it would be to constantly wonder if she might follow the same path as her mother and grandmother.

At this point she decided a mastectomy was the best answer.

Ms Hamden said Jolie going public would help raise awareness and understanding.

She said: “Most people have heard about the BRCA1 gene in connection with breast cancer but are not aware of the ovarian links.

“Anything that helps put it on the agenda and get people talking is always something to be welcomed.

“Speaking out and being so open about it is inspiring and I can really empathise with the decisions she has taken.”

Annwen Jones, chief executive of Target Ovarian Cancer, said: “Angelina Jolie’s decision to tell her story is very brave, and she plays a vital role in raising awareness of ovarian cancer and the BRCA gene mutation, which significantly increases the risk of ovarian cancer.”

“It’s so important for women and GPs to be aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer – bloating, feeling full, needing to wee more and abdominal pain – as there is no proven screening programme.”