Over 200,000 women this year will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Of those 200,000 more than 40,000 of them will die. Breast Cancer can be defined as a malignant tumor that is found in the breast(s). No one knows for sure what causes the cancer. For a small percentage of people it is hereditary. If one or more women in your family has gotten breast cancer then there is a greater risk for you to get it as well. For that reason many women are opting to take preventative measures.
Preventive mastectomy is when women who are diagnosed with breast cancer in a single breast decide to have both breast removed. The women who typically opt to do this are those in the high risk category such as those with a family history. Preventive mastectomies are becoming more common researchers show. What is also becoming more common is women who have not yet been diagnosed but have a strong family history of the disease are opting to get the procedure done. This has many researchers concerned. The reason for concern is because having the procedure does not guarantee that they will not get the disease. Also studies are inconclusive as to the effect removing both breast will be.
The decision to have this procedure done is a difficult one for many women to make. It doesn’t come without complications. Some potential complications include infection, damage to nerves, and significant bleeding. Not only that but there is still a possibility that the may still get the cancer and it may have no impact on their long term survival.
Although it is a difficult decision and a high risk one at that most women do not regret having it done.
October is breast cancer awareness month. Support the cause and help find a cure today.
Rita Harmon is wife to a loving husband Tom and a mom to three beautiful children Eva, Sam, and David.
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