Misusing Double Mastectomy in Breast Cancer

The recent surgery of celebrity Angelina Jolie has has contributed to the increase in contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM), or removal of the healthy breast (1). Jolie has a strong reason for undergoing such a drastic decision, carrying gene mutations of BCR1 and BCR2. What are the implications of an un-needed mastectomy? 







According to a recent study, "Sarah Hawley, University of Michigan associate professor and lead author of the study, said that more than two-thirds of CPM surgeries are not actually needed because the women have no family or genetic risk factors. The study also found that mastectomy of the healthy breast does not actually prevent the return of cancer and is generally unnecessary, because most women who choose it are already at very low risk of a breast cancer recurrence" (1).

CPM has a number of risks such as loss of sensation in the skin, chronic pain, and decreased sexuality. Besides, researchers emphasize that the feeling of security that women who opt for double mastectomy (second healthy breast) seek is often not found after the surgery is done. 

The study also found that women with more education were m,ore likely to undergo CPM. There is also more likelihood of CPM among women who have undergone genetic testing even though their results show that there is no increased risks.

Finally, "The National Cancer Institute and other experts fear that the decision to proceed with the mastectomy of a healthy breast leads to unnecessary surgeries, but the decision is ultimately the breast cancer patient’s personal choice. They say the most important thing a doctor can do to help guide a woman considering a double mastectomy is to provide comprehensive information that includes all possible options, giving the patient the tools to make the right decision for herself" (1).

Sources:
1- Guardian Liberty Voice: http://guardianlv.com/2014/05/mastectomy-of-healthy-breast-for-cancer-prevention-usually-unnecessary/
See also:
2- The Straits Times: http://www.straitstimes.com/news/world/more-world-stories/story/double-mastectomy-often-misused-breast-cancer-study-20140522

Photo:
E-Online: http://ca.eonline.com/news/419175/angelina-jolie-covers-time-what-effect-will-her-double-mastectomy-have-on-women-s-health