Is having a prophylactic mastectomy a good idea for high-risk patients?

Sometimes.: There are very few options for reducing the risk of breast cancer in women who are at high-risk. While quite extreme, a double mast-x can significantly lower the risk of developing breast cancer. A simple blood test can be done to determine if a women is at high risk for developing the hereditary form of breast cancer. Before having this brca test, it is best to meet with a genetic counselor.

Perhaps: Usually considered in patients with genetic predisposition by carrying the brca gene or that have a current breast cancer on 1 side. However, be aware that even with a mastectomy, there is still a small chance of getting a breast cancer. That is because not every single cell can be removed.