Discover If a Double Mastectomy Is the Best Option for Your Breast Cancer Battle

In 2013, around 300,000 women were expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer, according to Cancer.org. Out of these, nearly 233,000 cases were predicted to be the invasive form, while the rest were expected to be a non-invasive condition known as carcinoma in situ (CIS). CIS isn’t cancer per se; it’s a precancerous change in cells confined to the breast, which could potentially lead to cancer. However, it’s tough for doctors to predict if these precancerous cells will actually turn into cancer.

For many women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, treatment depends on how advanced the disease is. Sometimes cancer affects both breasts, and a mastectomy, which is the removal of one or both breasts, may be recommended. Some women choose to remove both breasts even if cancer is detected in only one. This preventive measure is called contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM).

Many factors influence the decision to undergo a double mastectomy:

### Genetic Risks
If you have cancer in one breast and a family history of the disease, your risk of getting cancer in the other breast increases. Knowing you’re more likely to develop cancer in the healthy breast could lead you to consider a preventive mastectomy to reduce your future risk and maintain your quality of life. Genetic testing can identify mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which raise the risk of breast cancer. Consulting a genetic counselor can provide helpful guidance.

### Abnormal Breast Changes
Routine mammograms might show early changes in the breast tissue. If there are precancerous alterations, your risk of developing cancer in both breasts goes up. Deciding on a preventive mastectomy should involve discussions with your medical team and consideration of your family history. It’s also important to remember that not all precancerous conditions progress to full-blown cancer.

Regular mammograms and genetic testing, when needed based on family history, are crucial in reducing the mortality rate associated with breast cancer. Not all breast cancer patients require double mastectomies. Surgeries come with risks, so it’s vital to make sure that the benefits outweigh them. For certain women, a double mastectomy might reduce the anxiety of facing future battles with this disease.

After undergoing breast cancer surgery, survivors face additional choices regarding their appearance. Reconstructive surgery or breast augmentation can help restore the original look of their breasts. Some might prefer prosthetic devices or special bras, but surgical reconstruction often helps women feel more complete after a mastectomy.

These decisions—whether to undergo a mastectomy or follow-up surgery—carry significant and lasting implications. Each woman must consider the long-term consequences and benefits before making her choice.