Cancer Issues – Prophylactic Mastectomy: Reducing the Risk of Breast Cancer

As we’ve learned more about the genetic factors that contribute to breast cancer, we’ve been better able to identify women who are at particularly high risk,” says plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist Dr. Constance M. Chen. “Women with genetic mutations or strong family history of breast cancer know that they have a lifetime risk that can be upwards of 85%. Many have watched multiple family members struggle through treatment and die from breast cancer, or they have done intense amounts of research and spoken to a genetic counselor. After carefully considering their options, some high-risk women make the difficult decision to remove both breasts before a breast cancer diagnosis in order to reduce their odds of developing breast cancer later. This choice has become more common as breast reconstruction options have improved.” Click HERE for the full article.