Angelina Jolie has been inundated with support after announcing her double mastectomy.

The 37-year-old actress revealed she had both her breasts removed in a drastic operation after being diagnosed with the BRCA1 cancer gene - which gives her with an 87 per cent chance of developing breast cancer and 50 per cent risk of ovarian cancer - and dozens of famous females have voiced their respect following her announcement.

Country singer Sheryl Crow, who previously battled breast cancer herself and was given the all clear in 2006, posted on Twitter: ''I commend Angelina Jolie for her courage and thoughtfulness in sharing her story today regarding her mastectomy. So brave!

''Ladies, please check out Angelina Jolie's story today, especially if you have breast cancer in your family history.''

TV personality Giuliana Rancic - who underwent the same procedure - also offered her support to Angelina, who has children Maddox, 11, Pax, nine, Zahara, eight, Shiloh, six, and four-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne with fiancé Brad Pitt.

She tweeted: ''Angelina Jolie reveals double mastectomy. Proud of her for using her incredible platform to educate women.''

Actresses Elizabeth Banks and Kristen Bell were two more of the many celebrities to praise the actress, with Elizabeth posting: ''Much respect & for sharing in classy way: Angelina Jolie on why she had a double mastectomy & how it can save lives.''

Kristen wrote: ''An admirable op ed by Angelina Jolie. (sic)''