Although the numbers are small, there is a growing number of women with breast cancer that are selecting to having their unaffected breast removed in an effort to prevent a recurrence according to researchers.
A study done between 1995 and 2005 found the prevalence of preventive mastectomy more than doubled among women with a history of cancer in one breast.
Researchers have found that the procedure of performing preventive mastectomies is becoming more common each year, even though the numbers are small at this time. The issues here are that there is no evidence that the removal of the unaffected breast improves the chances of long-term survival.
Researchers have also noted that women who are not at high risk (genetic) of breast cancer, (which is about 95% of all patients) the odds of developing cancer in the second breast is between 10-20% over a 20-30 year span.
So the question becomes, should women that have a second healthy breast have it removed for the sake of ‘peace of mind’? Or, take a chance knowing that less than 20% will develop cancer in the second breast. The large majority of those cancers are usually detected early and treated effectively.
Women need to keep in mind and consider the uncertain long-term benefits and the risk of complications, when having a mastectomy, which include bleeding, infection and nerve damage. Equally so, women should be counseled on the issues of the risks of developing a second cancer and the minimal to no impact this may have on their survival.
I personally know of someone that felt they needed to have her second ‘healthy’ breast removed so that she would have ‘peace of mind’. Her chances of developing cancer in her healthy breast were less than 20%, yet the medical community somehow convinced her that this was the right decision. ‘Tragedy’ is the only word that can describe this questionable surgery!! What do you think?
The answers are not complete as to why one develops breast cancer, however, there are findings that do point to how important the typical Western diet can contribute to cancer. Use the following points as a guide, research for yourself as to the benefits of each and how they can prevent breast cancer:
· Vitamin D
· Vitamin E
· Omega 3 fats
· Flaxseed
· Low (Glycemic Index) Carboyhydrates (i.e., grains, lentils, green vegetables, beans)
Avoid breads, pasta, cakes, cookies, sweets, soda pop and sugary drinks)
