Preventative Mastectomy Gallery

A preventative mastectomy, also known as prophylactic or risk-reducing, is a surgical option for people with an increased risk of breast cancer, including people with a BRCA1/2 mutation. It involves the removal of one or both breasts to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

For those that are BRCA +, have another gene or a strong family history of breast cancer, a mastectomy is considered a risk management strategy. The goal is to significantly decrease the likelihood of developing breast cancer in the future. This is a deeply personal decision and depends on lots of factors, including overall health, family history, and personal preferences.

A mastectomy might involve breast reconstruction, which can be either immediate or delayed. Breast reconstruction options include implants, flap reconstruction (using your own tissue from another part of your body), or a combination of both. Some people may opt to get a flat closure, where there is no reconstruction.

While a preventative mastectomy greatly reduces the risk of developing breast cancer, it can come with physical and emotional implications, which is why we are here to help!

We recommend also talking about the potential benefits, risks, and emotional considerations with your doctors, nurses, and other people in your support system so you can make the best decision for you.

You should still continue to check your chest, just to be extra sure!