Risk reducing surgery

Why you may be offered this step

If you're at high risk of developing breast cancer your genetic counsellor will discuss the possibility of surgery to remove both breasts (bilateral mastectomy) to reduce your breast cancer risk.

Reconstruction of both breasts is usually offered at the same time, using an implant and/or tissue from another part of the body, and it is usually possible to preserve the nipples. For more information, download our Breast reconstruction booklet from the right hand side of this page.

As having a bilateral mastectomy is not very common, the precise protection it offers against breast cancer is unknown. It cannot completely eliminate the risk but will reduce it significantly. 

Some women who carry a faulty gene are also at higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. Having the ovaries and fallopian tubes removed by surgery before the natural menopause can reduce the risk of both ovarian and breast cancer.

If you are considering risk-reducing surgery you may find it helpful to read Macmillan Cancer Support's Understanding risk-reducing breast surgery booklet which can be found on the Macmillan website.