Decision making, psychological wellbeing and psychosocial outcomes for high risk women who choose to undergo bilateral prophylactic mastectomy - A review of the literature

Abstract

A bilateral prophylactic, or preventative, mastectomy (BPM) for women at high risk of developing breast cancer (BC) can reduce their risk of developing the disease by up to 90% (relative risk reduction). An increasing number of women, including young women, are taking up this option. However, there is a dearth of information for younger women (under 40 years) choosing preventative mastectomy. In fact, no studies to date have specifically focused on younger women's experiences of a BPM and investigated their informational needs.The purpose of this review is to report on the current literature surrounding the psychological experience of a BPM and the informational needs for women at high risk ..