According to a new study quoted in McLeans magazine (April 2016), the number of women with breast cancer having both breasts removed as a preventative measure has tripled from 4% to 12% over the past decade.
This research has not been matched by a corresponding increase in 10 year survival rates compared to those women who undergo a simple lumpectomy. Researchers say that they are concerned too many women and their physicians are opting for major surgical procedures with no real health benefit.
Cancer is scary enough on its own they say without worrying how much is too much surgery.