Angelina Jolie’s recent announcement that she had a prophylactic double mastectomy to reduce her risk of developing breast cancer has cast a very public spotlight on what is often a very private issue.

In addition to the surgery’s physical effects, there can be an array of emotional and psychological impacts and implications. “A high risk woman who is considering surgery must also balance her fears, her emotional, physical, and sexual investment in her breasts, her life circumstance, her resources, her family’s concerns, and her screening alternatives to decide how best to manage her cancer risks,” explains Andrea Farkas Patenaude, PhD, a psychologist in the Cancer Genetics and Prevention Clinic at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and author of “Prophylactic Mastectomy: Insights from Women who Chose to Reduce their Risk” (Praeger Books, 2012).

Patenaude’s book shares insight from 21 women who had a prophylactic mastectomy, including what they thought were the high and low points as they considered the merits of the surgery, and a checklist of questions women might want to use when considering whether a prophylactic double mastectomy is the right decision for them. The number of women electing to have a prophylactic double mastectomy is increasing, but most high-risk women still do not elect to have the surgery.

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Patenaude says women struggle with this decision because it is both very personal and there is no clear best or right choice. However, now that prophylactic double mastectomy is being discussed more publicly, Patenaude is hopeful that more women will have greater access to information and clinical resources to help them make a decision that is right for them.

Reference

  1. The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute via newswise.
  2. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.
  3. Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the Oncology MD or its staff.
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Breast Cancer Cancer Famous Actress Oncology Women's Health