Preventative Mastectomy: Is It Right For You?
A mastectomy is a procedure that removes some or all of the breast tissue, usually as a treatment for breast cancer. However, some women might consider getting a mastectomy before any tumor appears. A prophylactic mastectomy is not right for everybody, but it might be a good treatment for patients who have a higher risk of breast cancer. Is a preventative mastectomy right for you? Here are some questions to consider.
Have you been tested for genetic markers of breast cancer?
There are genetic tests now available that can help you learn your risk for developing breast cancer. BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutations in your genes increase your chances of developing cancer and warrant more intense screening at earlier stages in life. If you have these genetic markers, you might speak with your doctor about prophylactic surgery.
Do you have close relatives that had cancer, especially at a young age?
Another indicator that you could benefit from preventative surgery is if you have a strong family history of cancer. Usually, the risk is greatest if you have had immediate family members with breast cancer. If your mother, sister, father, or brother had breast cancer, or if your female family members had ovarian or other gynecological cancers at a young age, a preventative mastectomy may be the right path, especially when paired with gene testing results that also indicate risk.
Have you had cancer in another area of the body?
Another reason why you might decide to get a mastectomy is if you have already had cancer, especially ovarian cancer or cancer in one breast. These increase your risk for having more cancer in the breast. If you had different cancer, such a liver or lung cancer, that was treated with radiation, the radiation can also increase the risk of tumor growth in the breast. Radiation is a double-edged sword because it is deadly to cancer cells, but it can also lead to mutations that cause different cancers down the road.
Are your comfortable with breast reconstruction?
Beyond medical reasons, you also need to decide if you are comfortable with breast reconstruction and repair options. Some women might not like the idea of having implants, so they might decide on bras or removable prosthetics. You can discuss all the different options with a surgeon before you decide if a mastectomy is right for you.
For more information on surgical cancer treatment, contact a local surgery center such as Surgery Group SC.
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