Question

Debate Question: Is bilateral mastectomy a good preventative choice for women who have all the genetic markers for breast cancer?

You may choose your own side for this debate. Do some research on the topic; don’t just jump to your first conclusion.

Debates require the following:

• A clear position statement
• An original argument
• Two rebuttal statements to two classmates
• A concluding statement
• A minimum of two references following APA Style
• Proper grammar and spelling

Answer 1

Bilateral mastectomy is the surgical removal of both breast to treat or prevent the breast cancer. First of all i oppose the statement that the bilateral mastectomy is a good preventive choice for women who have all the genetic markers of breast cancer.

Studies have shown that in early stage breast cancer those who have done lumpectomy followed by radiation live as long as womens who have done mastectomy. Most of the experts do not recommend mastectomy on early stage breast cancer.

Bilateral masectomy only reduces the risk of forming new cancer cells on the breast but do not reduce the risk of new cancer cell formation in other parts of the body.

Bilateral mastectomy is recommended for those women’s who are at higher risk and are tested for positive in BRCA.

Most of the women choose this procedure may have personal reasons like fear of having new cancer cells at healthy breast even the risk is less. A regular follow up is enough to watch for a new cancer cells in other part of a body.

Other down side of bilateral mastectomy is that it has no effect on risk of cancer in other prts of the body. It is more complex than lumpectomy and takes too longer to recover. Infection is the other problem concerning the bilateral mastectomy. It also may cause loss of feeling in chest. Surgery will leave a permanent scar on the chest.

So I would like to conclude that unless a women is at high risk of a second breast cancer the bilateral mastectomy is not relevant.

Ref: Thinking about bilateral mastectomy for early stage of breast cancer. School of medicine and public health. HEALTH WISE. August 21,2019.

Bilateral mastectomy of breast cancer. MOFFITT Cancer Center.