Preventative Mastectomy to Reduce Chances of Getting Breast Cancer

Breast cancer kills almost 41,000 women in the United States each year. A controversial new way to combat the risk of getting breast cancer is having a preventative mastectomy performed. This is a surgery where both breasts are removed before any signs of cancer are apparent.

I kind of stand in the middle on this issue, because I believe it is the individual right for each woman to choose what is best for her self. Most women considering this option are at a very high risk for getting breast cancer. A candidate for this surgery may go from having a 75% chance of getting breast cancer, and reduce it to 8% post surgery.

According to breastcancer.org, an average woman has about a 12% chance of getting breast cancer in her lifetime. But for women who inherit a mutated or abnormal gene called BRCA1 or BRCA2, their chances go up to 60% to 85%. In addition, since studies indicate breast cancer can be hereditary, you may also be considered to be high risk if other women in your family have been diagnosed with cancer as well.

From one point of view, this surgery may seem radical and even unthinkable. Yet for some women at risk, they may see it as a necessary hardship in order to survive. There are two types of preventative mastectomy's that can be performed. In a total mastectomy they surgically remove the entire breast. In a subcutaneous mastectomy, they just remove the breast tissue but keep the nipples intact.

The medical benefits from this surgery cannot be denied, but it is not for everyone. It is important to remember that this surgery is irreversible. Reconstructive surgery is available, but your breasts will never look the same. It is possible for many women to suffer mentally from change in body image. I would advise to take your time in making this decision and consider carefully, because ultimately there is no going back.

There are different alternatives to a mastectomy, but none that are as effective. Still, you can improve your chances by performing a self-breast exam frequently and having a mammogram done once a year. In addition, if you are in the high-risk category there are oral cancer drugs that can be prescribed by your doctor.

Of course, it is always a good idea to live a healthy lifestyle for a strong immune system. Most doctors recommend to avoid excessive drinking and smoking altogether. Exercise on a regular basis and eat a low fat diet.