View Providers
The number of women diagnosed with breast cancer each year has
remained generally stable for more than 10 years, at over 200,000 women
annually. For those with early stage breast cancer, the disease is highly
treatable, and there are also successful treatments for women with more
advanced cancers. Still, there has been a rise in the number of women choosing
to have both breasts removed after finding out they have breast cancer, even when
doctors have recommended less invasive treatments such as a lumpectomy and radiation.
From 2002 to 2012, the number of women with breast cancer
who had a double mastectomy tripled. The increase was even greater in women
under 40, where the percentage increased five times, to about 25%. But has the
increase in double mastectomies resulted in more women living longer with
breast cancer? Here are some important facts about mastectomy and breast cancer
survival rates.
Survival Rates for Women With Early Stage Breast Cancer
When comparing women who had tumor removal (lumpectomy) and
breast removal (mastectomy), the survival rates are similar for those with stage
I or stage II cancers. In a study of almost 190,000 women in California who
were diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in one breast, there was no
statistically significant difference in survival at 10 years among women who
underwent double mastectomy and those who did not:
-
Lumpectomy and radiation: 83.2% 10-year survival
rate -
Single mastectomy: 79.9% 10-year survival rate
-
Double mastectomy: 81.2% 10-year survival rate
Rate of Recurrence in Early Stage Breast Cancer
For many women with early stage breast cancer, the risk of
recurrence or additional cancer is low. If you don’t have certain genetic mutations,
such as in the BRCA gene, or a strong family history of breast cancer, you have
a less than 1% chance per year of getting more cancer. Since only 5 to 10% of
women have the genetic mutations that indicate a higher risk, in the majority
of cases breast removal may not be necessary. However, women who do have a high
genetic risk factor, such as Angelina Jolie, may benefit from a double
mastectomy, which Jolie publicly chose to undergo in 2013. Your doctor can
explain your level of risk to you based on your individual history and test
results.
Why Women May Choose Double Mastectomy
While a double mastectomy does not affect survival rates for
most women with early stage breast cancer, some women are choosing to have the
operation for peace of mind or because they feel they may have more symmetrical
results from breast reconstruction surgery.
However, a double mastectomy is a bigger procedure than a lumpectomy. It
comes with a longer recovery and more chance of complications, though the
complication rate is still low. Sometimes you can have breast reconstruction
during the same operation as that to remove your breasts, but make sure you
understand what is involved in breast reconstruction and how doctors can match
a reconstructed breast to a natural breast.
Understanding Options for Breast Cancer Treatment
A diagnosis of breast cancer can sweep you up in a whirlwind
of information about type, stage, prognosis and treatment options. If you find
out you have the disease, get up-to-date information from reliable sources and
discuss it thoroughly with your doctor. Ask your doctor specific questions and
don’t hesitate to get a second opinion before you commit to treatment, though
you can change your mind at any time. Make sure your decisions are based on a thorough
understanding of how treatment affects outcomes and your own preferences, so
you can make the choice that’s right for you.