Despite so much information about breast cancer risks
available, a new study published in JAMA Surgery last month found that many
breast cancer patients are electing to have a double mastectomy even when their
individual risks don’t justify such drastic surgery.
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| Double Mastectomies |
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Women with the BRCA 1 or 2 genetic mutation and/or those
with a very strong family history of breast cancer do have a significantly high
risk for developing breast cancer and for them, prophylactic bilateral
mastectomy, may be appropriate.
Fewer than 10 percent of women with newly diagnosed breast
cancer in one breast are estimated to have one or both of these clinical
indications.
However, when lead author Sarah Hawley, PhD, MPH, an
associate professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan, Ann
Arbor and her colleagues evaluated the medical records of more than 1400 women
with diagnosed breast cancer in one breast, nearly 70 percent of those who had
their unaffected breast removed were never at high risk for developing a new
cancer.
The authors stated that it is misplaced fear that drives the
decision.
In addition to the obvious need for better education of the
patient regarding risks, the authors correctly question how surgeons who agree
to such an extensive procedure which is not clinically indicated can justify
that decision simply to reduce their patient’s fear.
Clearly there is a need for women to feel more empowered
when faced with a diagnosis of breast cancer, to take a deep breath when they
first hear the terrifying words “you have cancer” and then take some time to
understand their individual risks and options. Often that may mean seeking more
than one opinion.
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| Breast Surgery After Breast Cancer |
Source: http://www.edtreatmentindia.com/
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