One possibility is that some women at high risk consider both preventive (or prophylactic) mastectomy. A woman might consider this option if:
- There is a high risk for breast cancer and want both breasts are removed before cancer develops
- He has cancer in one breast and other needs, healthy breast removed to reduce the risk that cancer will reduce it to develop
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove nearly all breast tissue, including breast cancer may develop. This does not guarantee that women have breast cancer. You can not believe all the bits "of the breast tissue. But experts say that this type of surgery reduces the risk by about 90 percent.
Some women believe that the advantage of reducing their cancer risk is worth the price of losing their breasts. But the choice is not obvious. Depends on a variety of factors, including personal risk of a woman with cancer and their feelings.
Who can consider preventive mastectomy?
A woman might think about preventive mastectomy, if known, is a high risk for breast cancer. It can be a very high risk if:
- You know, you have breast cancer (BRCA) genetic mutation. To know the only way is to have genetic testing. This test is usually done when a woman has a strong family history of breast cancer and / or ovarian cancer.
- She has a strong family history of breast cancer. They have a strong history, if one or more close relatives (mother, sister or daughter) had breast cancer, especially if you are under 50 Age has been diagnosed. The risk may be even greater if you have two to breast and ovarian cancer have part of your family.
- You have cancer in one breast. This means that you get in the chest.
- She was diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). LCIS means that you are abnormal cells in the milk glands (lobules) have in your chest. Doctors classify the LCIS as Stage 0 cancer or precancerous lesions. You can increase the risk of developing breast cancer, but most women with LCIS do not get sick from breast cancer.
- Do you already have radiation therapy to the breast before 30 Of age.
How to choose preventive mastectomy?
The decision to have a mastectomy for cancer prevention is very personal. To make a decision for you, it may be helpful:
- Talk to your doctor or genetic counselor to get a better sense of personal risk. Women sometimes think that their risk is greater than they really are.
- Consider your feelings. Some women can not imagine choosing to give their breasts. For others, with more rest compensates for this loss.
- Discuss your decision with your family. Hear what to tell your family and friends can help you to decide. But in the end, it is your body and your decision.
If you are considering preventive mastectomy:
- More information about the surgery and what to expect after surgery.
- Getting a second opinion. The American Cancer Society recommends women discuss the prophylactic mastectomy in response to a second doctor to get their opportunities.
- Meeting with a plastic surgeon if you are interested in breast reconstruction. Women have often thought of her breasts at the time of mastectomy.
Do I have other options?
There are two other known ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
- It may be a drug to reduce the risk of breast cancer. This is known as chemoprevention. Chemotherapeutic agents tamoxifen and raloxifene have shown that the risk of breast cancer in women at high risk to reduce. Other drugs are being tested. The doctor can determine whether any of these drugs good for you and help you in evaluating the risks and benefits of chemoprevention.
- You have your ovaries removed. This reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Women with BRCA gene changes are at high risk for both types of cancer. But this means that you can not get pregnant, and it would be in menopause. It could be a good choice if you have children and are close to menopause anyway.
Lifestyle
Instead of surgery or drugs, many housewives to high-risk decisions. These include:
- Staying at a healthy weight
- Eat some fiber diet rich in salt and red meat
- As a daily exercise
- Do not smoke
- Limit alcohol to one drink per day
These measures can help reduce the risk of cancer for the average person, but you do not know if they make a difference for women at high risk.
Wait and see
You can also consult your doctor for close monitoring. Having regular mammograms and clinical breast examination and self-examination helps in finding breast cancer early, when he has the best chance for cure. This helps some women feel more comfortable with risk.
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