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preventive mastectomy
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preventive mastectomy

medicine
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Quick Summary

A preventive mastectomy is the surgical removal of a breast to eliminate the risk of developing cancer. This procedure is typically considered for individuals with a significantly elevated risk, such as those with a strong family history of breast cancer or specific genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2.1

While a mastectomy is primarily performed to treat existing cancer by removing malignant cells and surrounding tissue, a preventive mastectomy aims to preemptively remove healthy breast tissue to prevent cancer from ever forming. This proactive approach is a crucial part of risk reduction for those identified as being at extreme risk.21

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  1. mastectomy
  2. breast cancer

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