Breast cancer is a very serious health problem and it is even more critical when caused by a BRCA gene mutation. A new study reveals that women suffering from this particular form of breast cancer have better survival chances with double mastectomy.
Typically, women suffering from breast cancer have to get one of the breasts removed to mitigate the growth of the cancer. In less serious breast cancer cases, that suffices and may be adequate in letting the patient carry on a normal life.
But in the case of those suffering from BRCA gene mutation, having both breasts removed offers significantly better survival chances. A study recently looked at women who had been suffering from this particular strain of breast cancer. According to the study, 87 out of 100 women will be alive 20 years after having a surgical procedure on their breasts if it involves having both breasts removed.
In contrast, women who go with a single mastectomy have a 66 in 100 chance of surviving 20 years after the procedure. According to the authors of the study, “We conclude that it is reasonable to propose bilateral mastectomy as the initial treatment option for women with early-stage breast cancer who are carriers of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.”
BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, that cause BRCA breast cancer, are very rare and found among only 0.2 percent of the women. However, the gene increases their risk of contracting breast cancer by a whopping 80%, making them very susceptible to the condition.
There is an increasing awareness among women carrying the BRCA gene that they need to go for double mastectomy. This is why nearly half of the women in North America when diagnosed with BRCA opted for the procedure.
Courtesy: News Max Health
[ttjad keyword=”dslr-camera”]
