Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer in Women with Elevated Risk Through Removal of Both Breasts

A study done at Harvard University has concluded that prophylactic mastectomy, or removal of both breasts, reduced the risk of breast cancer by 95 percent in women with elevated risk. The 19 year study, tested women from ages 18-80 with at least one factor that increased their risk for getting breast cancer. These factors included one of more benign breast biopsies, a personal history of atypical hyperplasia, and a family history of breast cancer. While the procedure does provide a good preventative measure, it can cause other complications as well as effect the psychosocial health of the patient. Women are encouraged to talk to doctors, friends and family, and a genetic counselor in order to discuss her risk for the cancer and to discuss all of her options.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/03/050323134132.htm