Think Pinker

Breast cancer is diagnosed at different stages, and sometimes it requires a mastectomy to remove the breast. It seems more and more women are also opting to remove the second breast even if it is healthy and shows no outward signs of breast cancer.

How many women are choosing this option? According to Wral.com the latest figures show that preventive mastectomies are up 150%.

If you’re not sure what you would do here are three risk factors that Oncologists say increase your changes of having a tumor in your second breast.

An original tumor that starts in the milk producing lobes and then spreads like seeds.

Multiple tumors in the first breast

A high risk factor such s family history, race, or age.

There are many that are questioning the just how necessary these mastectomies are. That includes many of the doctors. Many oncologists believe that chemo and hormone therapy can reduce the need for a double mastectomy.

Fear seems to be one of the main reasons for opting for a double mastectomy when a single is all that is medically necessary at the time. Fear that they won’t be there for their children. Fear that they may have to have another mastectomy later in life. Fear that the tumors will be missed.

If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, the decision to have your second breast removed is very personal. You will need to discuss you options with your oncologist, and your family. You will need to make the right decision for you.

There are also many excellent sites online that provide you with a wealth of information including sites like the American Cancer Society. This is not a decision that you can take lightly so take your time and do what feels right to you.