The situation of women opting for double mastectomies following the discovery of cancer in one breast (or even the discovery of increased risk) is gaining awareness. However, men are also choosing to undergo double mastectomies.
According to a September 2015 study published in JAMA Surgery, researchers from the Surveillance and Health Services Research Program at the American Cancer Society studied national cancer registries of over 6,000 men who had breast cancer surgery from 2004 to 2011. While most of the men in the study had a single mastectomy or a lumpectomy, the number of men who chose to have a double mastectomy rose during the studied period. For example, in 2004, only 3% of men had a double mastectomy. That number rose to 5.6% in 2011.
The lead author of the study, Ahmedin Jemal, warns against this procedure for men. While it does benefit women with a genetic mutation that increases cancer risk in the second breast, there is not enough research to suggest that it is beneficial for women without a genetic mutation or for men. A double mastectomy may not increase life expectancy for men with a genetic mutation, either.
However, there are fewer risks following a double mastectomy in men than with women. For example, women are more likely to have reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy, while men do not typically choose reconstructive surgery.
It is not clear what contributes to the choice to undergo a double mastectomy, but fear of getting breast cancer again is likely a factor.
The percentage of women who choose to have a double mastectomy rather than a lumpectomy has also risen. Patients are encouraged to discuss their best options with their physician.
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