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Breast Cancer Prevention: Double Mastectomy May Not Have Lasting Effects

Preventative Double Mastectomy May Not Have Lasting Effects: Study

Women diagnosed with breast cancer in one breast sometimes opt to remove both breasts through a double mastectomy as a preventative measure, but a new study finds that this may not be effective in increasing life expectancy.

Although removing both breasts is thought to minimize the risk of cancer and therefore prolong life, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute recently published a study that found there is no significant benefit to removing a healthy breast.

Check out the video above from HealthDay TV that explains why this extreme surgery might not have the desired result — and the many reasons why women around the world still opt for it.

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