double mastectomy definition
Studies show that women with a high risk of breast cancer may be as much as 90% less likely to get the disease after preventive mastectomy. Usually, a total mastectomy -- removing the entire breast and nipple -- is recommended. In some cases, women have both breasts removed. This is called a double mastectomy. Some women who've had breast cancer in one breast will decide to have a preventive mastectomy to remove the other breast. This can reduce the chance of cancer reoccurrence.