Prophylactic Surgery to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk: A Brief Literature Review

Author: Anderson, Benjamin O.

Source: The Breast Journal, Volume 7, Number 5, September/October 2001 , pp. 321-330(10)

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Abstract:

Prophylactic mastectomy reduces the likehood of developing breast cancer among women at heightened risk for breast cancer, but at significant personal cost.Women at increased breast cancer risk on the basis of hormonal history, family history and/or genetic mutation carrier status may consider bilateral prophylactic mastectomy with or without reconstruction to reduce their cancer risk and/or decrease their chances of cancer mortality. Women having received mastectomy as treatment for breast cancer may request contralateral mastectomy to decrease the chances of developing a second breast primary. The potential oncologic value of these procedures must be weighed carefully on a case -by-case basis against the operation's physical and psychological morbidity. The purppose of this literature review is to provide a practice-oriented summary of recent clinical studies attempting to address the relative risks and benefits of preventive surgery for breast cancer. Data are included regarding the psychological factors surrounding patient selection and quality of life outcomes, which become the cornerstone of patient satisfaction and acceptance. Taken together, these data support the Society of Surgical Oncology position statement regarding the proper application of prophylactic surgery for breast cancer.

Keywords: Breast cancer; prophylactic surgery; breast cancer risk assessment; family history; BRCA1; BRCA2

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1524-4741.2001.21059.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Surgery, University of Washington Bio-Clinical Breast Care Program, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington

Publication date: 2001-09-01