Making decisions about your body and health is never easy, especially when it comes to something as personal as preventing breast cancer. At PRMA Plastic Surgery, we understand the weight of this choice, and we’re here to provide the guidance, expertise, and compassionate care you need to explore your options with confidence.
Should I Consider Surgery To Lower My Risk Of Breast Cancer?
For many women at high risk for breast cancer, prophylactic (risk-reducing)) mastectomy offers peace of mind for decreasing their chances of developing breast cancer as much as humanly possible. However, it’s important to weigh the benefits and considerations carefully. If you have a strong family history of breast cancer, a known gene mutation (for example, involving the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes), or have been diagnosed with conditions like atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), discussing your risk-reduction options with a specialist is crucial. While prophylactic mastectomy reduces risk more than any other approach, patients also have non-surgical risk-reduction strategies that should always be considered. These include enhanced screening (MRI, mammograms), lifestyle modifications, and chemoprevention (medications like tamoxifen or raloxifene). Your doctor can help determine the best approach based on your individual risk factors.What is Prophylactic Mastectomy?
Prophylactic mastectomy is performed to significantly reduce a patient’s risk of breast cancer. The procedure removes most of the underlying breast tissue and typically leaves the skin envelope intact. Many prophylactic mastectomy patients are also able to save their nipples via nipple-sparing mastectomy. Patients who desire breast reconstruction are able to have both the mastectomy and reconstruction performed at the same time.Does a prophylactic mastectomy completely prevent breast cancer?
- No surgery can completely eliminate the risk of developing breast cancer.
- Prophylactic mastectomy can reduce breast cancer risk by up to 95%, particularly for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers.
- Some breast tissue remains even after surgery, meaning a small risk persists.
Is Prophylactic Mastectomy Guaranteed to Eliminate Breast Cancer Risk?
Nothing can give you a 100% guarantee that you will be cancer-free for the rest of your life. During a mastectomy, not every breast tissue cell is removed. For example, some breast tissue can be found in your armpit, above your collarbone, or beneath the upper abdominal skin. As long as breast tissue remains, there will always be a (very low) chance of developing breast cancer. Patients must understand that the procedure dramatically reduces the chance of developing breast cancer but does not eliminate it completely.For Women At Very High Risk Of Breast Cancer
Women with a strong family history of breast cancer or a genetic mutation linked to the disease often face difficult decisions about their health. Prophylactic mastectomy is one of the most effective ways to significantly lower their risk. Here are the key takeaways:- Who should consider prophylactic mastectomy?
- BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation carriers
- Carriers of other gene mutations that increase the risk of breast (and other) cancers (e.g., TP53, ATM, PALB2, CHECK2, CDH1)
- Strong family history of breast cancer
- Previous radiation therapy to the chest area
- Dense breasts or atypical breast tissue
- Risk Reduction: Can lower breast cancer risk by up to 95% in high-risk individuals.
- Not a Guarantee: A small risk remains as some breast tissue is always left behind.
