Why are women getting mastectomies just because there is a chance of breast cancer?

Best prevention Rx: Unfortunately, some women are at such high risk for breast cancer, that at the present time the best means of prevention is to undergo bilateral 'prophylactic' mastectomies. Quite often, these people have watched loved-ones have breast (or ovarian) cancer and have lived with the fear that their cancer was inevitable. Though extreme, this operation often leads to a much better quality of life.

Fear's strong motive: Women entering their first diagnosis can't bear the thought of repeat. Mds need to do a better job of educating. What generally determines prognosis is the staging at diagnosis of the 1st cancer so the focus needs to be making sure that is treated most appropriately. Still, "peace of mind" is often a huge and important factor.

Genetic risk: Besides the fear factor some women who have the brca mutations are carrying a very high risk of breast cancer- there is data that prophylactic bilateral mastectomies can be helpful in this situation.

DIEP Flap: Many patients when confronted with the prospect of monitoring the other breast as well as the breast that has cancer consider their options and choose to bilateral mastectomies. These are incredibly difficult decisions for patients. Your lifestyle, family history, health condition current social situation all play roles in the decision making process. As a reconstructive surgeon i try just to help.