Health Talk  Discussion Forum

What is mastectomy? Why did Angelina Jolie undergo mastectomy? Are Mastectomies the Only Option for coping with breast cancer? Youhana replied. Mastectomy is not the only option for treating cancer. An alternative solution is available.There is a procedure called breast conservation, by which breast is saved instead of removing it when a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. But to prevent the risk of breast cancer, it is good to remove the breasts and all the connective tissues around it. so mastectomy is actually sometimes the last option for preventing cancer in women with high risk of breast cancer. Amanda replied. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are associated with breast cancer. when there are some mutations in these genes, then it raises the cancer risk. Angelina jlie has a family history of cancer as her mother died of breast cancer. it has deep physical and psychological impacts. Angelina got herself tested and found out about her chances of contracting cancer ahead of time, so she immediately decided to undergo surgery. So for Angelina Jolie, the decison was more of a last resort to prevent cancer risk and it was a well thought of decision. Being at a high risk category of breast cancer, she did the right thing in going under the knife. Dinshaw replied. Mastectomy in general terms refers to the surgical removal of one or both the breasts. It is generally done to treat cancer but recently Angelina Jolie has done it to prevent cancer risk. High risk patients should do this to prevent cancer. It is very effective way of preventing breast cancer for people who are at high risk for it.Mastectomy isn' t an easy thing to handle and it has deep physical and psychological impacts.