Myth: Nipple-sparing mastectomies are not a safe procedure for women with a high risk of developing breast cancer.
Truth: This is false.
Breast cancer often runs in the family due to the mutation of the breast cancer suppressor gene (BRCA). When BRCA mutations are present, women have a 50% likelihood of developing breast cancer in their lives. Mastectomies are surgical procedures that remove the mutations in the breast. However, they may not be the best procedure for all patients.
A study published in JAMA Surgery investigated whether nipple-sparing mastectomies, that leave a better cosmetic result, are safe in comparison to traditional mastectomies. The study surveyed women from 1996 to 2013 that received nipple-sparing mastectomies, with 346/548 patients having this procedure done. The study shows that breast cancer did not develop in any of the patients during that time, suggesting that nipple-sparing mastectomies are highly safe and preventative against breast cancer in women with BRCA mutations.
Reference
- Jakub JW, Peled AW, Gray RJ, et al. Oncologic safety of prophylactic nipple-sparing mastectomy in a population with BRCA mutations: A multi-institutional study. JAMA Surg. 2018;153(2):123-129. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2017.3422
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