Who should have a preventative mastectomy?

An OPTION for some : No one needs a prophylactic mastectomy. However, those with a proven brca mutation have a 50-75% chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime & may find a mastectomy their best option rather than fearing its development. New reconstructive options make this less traumatic but it's still a major decision, best done w/a cancer surgeon and genetic counselor.

High Risk Patients: Women who have already developed breast cancer in one breast and have a strong family history of the disease. Women who have a positive result from genetic testing are candidates. Genetic testing can identify if you have mutations in genes that increase your risk of breast cancer or other cancers such as ovarian cancer.