The potential benefits of this technology include greatly decreasing the risk of breast cancer. Patient Angelina Jolie, an actress who had subcutaneous mastectomy surgery performed, reported in her article, "My Medical Choice", of her risk of breast cancer dropping from 87% to below 5%. Bilateral prophylactic mastectomy has also been able to reduce the risk of breast cancer by 90% with women who have a family history of breast cancer, and at least 95% in women who have a disease causing mutation.Though these mastectomies have plenty of benefits, they also have some potential risks. While there may be bleeding, infection, loss of the breast to function in the action site of the surgery, and/or a decrease in estrogen production, the most common risks are psychological. The surgery may cause anxiety and trouble with body image and sexual relationships.
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Because the benefits greatly outweigh the costs, a mastectomy surgery is definitely a smart choice. Breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body and be fatal, but with a mastectomy, the chances of being diagnosed with breast cancer plummets. There is a chance of some seemingly minor physical and emotional side effects, but they are especially minor compared to the physical and emotional perils of breast cancer. A mastectomy surgery can prevent lots of pain in many aspects, showing how important and useful this technology is.
Sources:
"My Medical Choice" (Angelina Jolie, NY Times)
http://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/risk-reducing-surgery-fact-sheet
http://www.foxnews.com/story/2007/10/04/five-myths-about-breast-cancer-and-why-shouldnt-believe-them.html