Mastectomy recommended for breast cancer gene carriers

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Women who carry the high-risk breast cancer gene should choose to have their breasts removed to cut the risk of developing the disease, scientists have advised.



A new study indicates that the pre-emptive operation could reduce the risk of developing cancer to less than 1%.



It is estimated 100,000 women in the UK carry the dangerous versions of the BRCA genes, meaning they have an 85% chance of getting breast cancer.



Women carrying the gene can currently either opt for a lifetime of regular monitoring or a pre-emptive mastectomy.



Approximately half of women carrying the gene are believed to undergo the operation.



Dutch doctor, Dr Kaas who studied the decreased risk after a mastectomy commented: 'On current evidence we can safely state that continued follow-up, which can be costly as well as stressful for the patient, is not warranted in patients who have had a prophylactic mastectomy.



'However, the decision to remove healthy breasts is solely the decision of the woman, and health care services should not press women to make this choice simply to reduce costs.'



Breast cancer charities in Britain have supported the latest news but said that further research was needed.

Wednesday 16 April 2008

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I have breast cancer quite common in my family and recently lost a member of my family. We have since found out that my family caries the gene brac2 and have had the chance to be tested if we want. Talking about an elective mastectomy today really brings it home that it could happen to me one day as i am only young and have small children that i want to stay with as long as i can although the surgery is very intense it cant be no worse than having a hysteratomy. It will take me a little while to contemplate all the facts that i have learnt today at the gene clinic but hopefully i will make the right choice and life a happy and eternal life.

Comment by marie porter on May 06 21:12

My sister and aunt died of cancer in their 30's. Our family was tested and we carry the BRCA-1 gene. I'm 43 & I've opted to have a double mastectomy and be rid of the hideous feeling that one day I'll die the same way as my two gorgeous relatives did. I want to be around for my 2 children as they grow up and thank my lucky stars that medicine has advanced in this way. I only wish my sister and aunt had had this knowledge then they would both be alive today. (PS I also had my ovaries out for the samr reason as the two cancers are linked)
Comment by catherine on March 04 19:37

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