Prophylactic mastectomy is a controversial procedure among members of the medical community.
Many physicians do not believe that surgically removing a woman's breast is appropriate unless it is performed as a treatment for breast cancer. However, based on recent scientific findings that show prophylactic mastectomy to be effective at preventing breast cancer, other physicians believe that certain individuals at especially high risk of breast cancer who are very worried about developing the disease may benefit from having prophylactic mastectomy. A woman's decision to have prophylactic mastectomy should be made carefully with physicians and counselors and should be a decision comfortable to the woman. Women considering the procedure should discuss their decision with close family members, friends, or other women who have previously undergone prophylactic mastectomy, if possible. During a prophylactic mastectomy, the surgeon removes the entire breast, with its skin and nipple.