Dr. Chagpar on Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy

Chagpar says the number of patients who would like this procedure has been increasing, possibly because it provides patients with peace of mind. Patients who are young, have a family history or a genetic predisposition for breast cancer may choose to have a contralateral prophylactic mastectomy to prevent recurrences.

The procedure is associated with high levels of patient satisfaction; however, there is an increase in cost for the technical portion and hospital stay, as well as complications. While some say that there is not a survival benefit for this procedure, recent data suggests that young patients with low-stage breast cancer could benefit.

Anees B. Chagpar, MD, MPH, MBA, associate professor of surgery (oncology), director, The Breast Center at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven, assistant director, Global Oncology, Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses contralateral prophylactic mastectomy for patients with breast cancer.