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Breast cancers in women| who carry breast cancer gene changes/mutations usually occur at a younger age. So, the younger you are when you have risk-reducing surgery, the more likely it is to prevent breast cancer.
However, this is a very individual decision and the potential benefit of risk-reducing surgery must be balanced with other issues such as:
I weighed up all the pros and cons and looked at every option that was available to me. I went ahead with the preventative double mastectomy when I was 24. Becky
I weighed up all the pros and cons and looked at every option that was available to me. I went ahead with the preventative double mastectomy when I was 24.
Becky
It’s important to bear in mind that the fitter you are, the less likely it is that there will be complications following surgery. Some types of reconstruction won’t be recommended if you have certain medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or if you are a smoker, and this may affect your options.
When to have this type of surgery is a very personal choice. Discussing the above points with your breast surgeon and clinical nurse specialist can help you make your decision.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.