Discussion

Dr Jose Velasco (Chicago, IL): The rate of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) for treatment of unilateral breast cancer has more than tripled in this century despite no proven improvement in overall survival and a questionable drop in the risk of developing a contralateral breast cancer. In 2013, the IOM included an estimated total and out-of-pocket costs for cancer treatment as a component of quality care. Ultimately, the decision to undergo risk-reducing mastectomy is intensely personal and often influenced by a patient's desire to control cancer outcomes.
Source: Surgery - Category: Surgery Source Type: research