Would you do it?

[i-need-a-martini]

Would you have a double mastectomy to reduce your risk of breast cancer? Angelina Jolie did after doctors told her she had an 87% chance of developing the disease.

It's a pretty drastic thing to do. I'm not sure I would do it though. But then again I don't have a family history like hers.

You?

http://www.smh.com.au/comment/my-medical-choice-20130514-2jjyu.html

[aspie*mum]

Yes, I would have a double mastectomy if it significantly reduced my change of getting breast cancer - I wouldn't even consider keeping my breasts.

FYI, I have a most spectacular set of DD breasts that I adore.  But I adore my life and my child and being with her much more than my breasts.  I'd have implants put in though.  Part of my body image is big boobies!

I would also have my ovaries removed.

My bestie's mum died in her 40's because of undiagnosed ovarian cancer - once it was diagnosed it was too late to save her.

My bestie and her sister (10 years age difference) have had genetic testing and have the gene.  My bestie will be having her ovaries out at 35.  Her sister is only 21 and isn't sure what she will do yet but they have both been advised to have their ovaries removed by 35 and have their children young.  My bestie has a daughter and doubts she will have more children.  Her sister is 21 and can't even think about it, but I believe that given she lost her mum at 13 from ovarian cancer, she will choose to have hers removed too, when she's older and feels comfortable with that decision.

[everything*that*i*ever*wanted]

One of my sisters won't have the test as she doesn't think she would cope with the outcome.

If she developed BC she would have no alternative than to deal with it, so being tested isn't going to stop her from getting BC, it's going to save her if she has the gene.

To be honest, I don't think she wants to know as she is already very ill with the blood disorder that killed our Dad. She has TIA's almost daily and has had 3 strokes in 18 months. She also has other illnesses which has led to depression for her. She has a short life expentancy already and is living life each day as it is her last already. She knows she isn't going to get better.

[freddie*rooster]

I understand her decision under those circumstances Trish.

[polksaladallie]

AJ's mother had ovarian cancer.  The 87% chance is there if someone has the particular gene, not just a family history of BC. 

[at_wicks_end]

From what I read, it was not really drastic surgery, but painful surgery.

it would appear that to look at her breasts  now there would be very little, if any difference in appearance.  Essentially it was a thorough check around the nipples, removal of tissue and temporary packing of the space left after removal of breast tissue, fat.  Then after 9 weeks insertion of implants.  Does not sound bad to me at all??.  If I had the money, I would have that done in a flash.  My mum had breast cancer 10 years ago, plus generally a lot of different cancers in my family.

i admire this woman regardless.  What a compassionate person she is.

[twinkles**stars]

not as such buzz but the 3 of us are participants in bc research giving blood etc. this enables us all to be updated on a regular basis. both girls have had a mammagram this year. we discussed genetic testing with my specialist years ago who pointed out unless they were to take the drastic measure of breast removal what advantage would the testing be as we all keep a regular eye on any changes. it was thought mine was not as my mothers was as she was post menopause where as I was pre menopause and not hormone receptive

[2013marfield]

does not apply to me as I am male but I admire her for doing it and for speaking out about it

[polksaladallie]

does not apply to me as I am male but I admire her for doing it and for speaking out about it

Men get breast cancer too, Marfield.

[azureline**]

In 2009, the number of men diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia increased to 110, from 61 in 1982

Not sure what the current figure is.

[izabsmiling]

yes I would