A recent study conducted by the Mayo Clinic revealed benefits of a radical procedure where both breasts are removed to prevent breast cancer in women at high risk for the disease. However, of the 639 women who underwent the procedure, called a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy, it was likely that only 20 would have actually died from breast cancer.
Women now have several options available for early diagnosis and prevention of breast cancer.
Mammography, clinical breast examination and breast self-examination are three means of detecting breast cancer. Some high-risk women may take tamoxifen to help reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. Finally, in very high-risk cases, some women may consider prophylactic mastectomy as a preventive measure. Bilateral prophylactic mastectomies remove a large percentage of breast tissue. However, removing all breast tissue, particularly while leaving the nipple and overlying skin intact, is impossible.