Breast Cancer: Women With Certain Gene Abnormalities May Benefit From Double Mastectomy

The Question

Three to 10 percent of breast cancers are related to abnormalities in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Some women with these mutations opt to have their breasts removed prophylactically. To what extent does preventive mastectomy reduce the risk of breast cancer for such women?

This Study

Involved 483 women with the genetic abnormality. Among the 378 who did not undergo mastectomy, 184 — almost half — developed breast cancer in the next six years, compared with two of the 105 women who opted for the preventive surgery.

Who May Be Affected by These Things?

Women with a family history of breast cancer.

Caveats

The results are not based on a randomized trial. In addition, different mastectomy procedures may produce difference results.

Bottom Line

Women with a family history of breast cancer may wish to consider genetic screening to identify abnormalities and consult their physicians about the benefits of double mastectomy.

Find This Study

March 15 issue of Journal of Clinical Oncology; abstract online at www.jco.org/current.shtml. Learn more about: Breast cancer prevention through mastectomy at www.cancer.org.