What’s It Like to Choose a Double Mastectomy?

When you hear the words “breast cancer,” everything can change in a moment. You may face big choices, and one of them could be whether to remove one or both breasts.

How do you know what the right decision for you is?

Chantal found a lump in her breast and was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. The cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, so she underwent chemotherapy, a lumpectomy with lymph node removal, and radiotherapy. Around this time, her mother passed away from ovarian cancer, and Chantal learned she carried the altered BRCA1 gene, increasing her cancer risk.

She decided to have a double mastectomy because of this. After removing her ovaries in 2019, she sought surgery to reconstruct her breasts using her own tissue. When her first surgeon disagreed, she got a second opinion and found a team that listened and made her feel in control.

Chantal worked hard to lower her BMI from 40 to 23 before surgery. In November 2020, she had a successful 11-hour operation. She recovered quickly, going home after four days and returning to work within two weeks.

Now, Chantal is on a 10-year hormone treatment and has regular scans. She urges her daughters and niece to watch for changes and keep up with screenings because of their family history. She’s grateful to finally look ahead without surgery on her mind.

Why Double Mastectomy Rates Are Rising

Choosing a double mastectomy means removing both breasts, even when cancer is found in only one. This choice has become more common over the years. About one in six women with early-stage breast cancer decide to have a double mastectomy. Back in the late 1990s, only about 4% to 6% of women chose this option, but by 2012, the rates had more than tripled. Many women choose to remove the healthy breast because they worry that cancer might develop there later.

However, studies show that removing the healthy breast does not improve survival for most women. This surgery mainly helps women who have a high risk of a second breast cancer, like those with certain genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2) or a strong family history. Despite this, almost half of women with early-stage breast cancer consider double mastectomy, and many are motivated by peace of mind, not necessarily by medical necessity.

Several factors make women more likely to choose a double mastectomy. Younger women, those with private insurance, or a family history of breast cancer tend to opt for this surgery more often. Yet, even among women without genetic risks, some still choose double mastectomy, sometimes without strong medical recommendations.

Doctors emphasize that double mastectomy is major surgery with risks. It can cause loss of feeling in the chest, changes in posture, or arm movement, and complications can delay important treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. For women with early-stage tumors that are small or not near the nipple, lumpectomy plus radiation often offers the same chance of survival without needing to remove both breasts.

Experts say the decision is personal but complicated, and the anxiety and fear about cancer returning play big roles. Women often want to do everything possible to prevent cancer from coming back, even if data shows the extra surgery won’t increase survival. Doctors try to help patients understand the facts and think through their options calmly. Ultimately, the choice to have a double mastectomy should consider medical risks, personal feelings, and future quality of life.

It’s important to ask your doctor about all treatment options, understand the risks and benefits, and take the time you need before deciding. Your feelings about your body, your health, and what makes you feel secure all matter in making this decision.

Final Words

Every decision in breast cancer treatment takes thought and courage. It’s not always clear which path is best, especially when emotions and fear are involved. That’s why it’s important to slow down, ask questions, and understand both the medical facts and what feels right for you.

Talk to your doctor about your full range of options and what each one means for your health and daily life. Make sure you understand the risks and benefits. Most of all, remember this is your body and your future—your comfort and peace of mind matter.