Surgery May Lower the Risk of Cancer

Ever since doctors have been able to test women for the genes that increase the risk of breast cancer, women have been wondering what they should do with this information. A new study shows that women with BRCA1 and 2 mutations can lower their risk of breast cancer by having preemptive mastectomy. Having a hysterectomy before the age of 50 to remove the ovaries also lowers the risk of ovarian and breast cancer. This issue is complicated and should be discussed thoroughly with experts who understand the ramifications of such risk-reducing surgery.
[JAMA Sept. 1, 2010]