The founder and lead surgeon of Lewisville Flower Mound Oncology talks about the numbers.

Lewisville, TX – The number of women opting for mastectomies when breast cancer is diagnosed is rising while the diagnosis rate itself is remaining relatively stable. Although this could be seen as good news when surgery is required to promote a positive outcome, that is not always the case, some doctors warn.

“As more women undergo valuable genetic testing and more jump on the preventative surgery bandwagon, the number of mastectomies and double mastectomies performed is also rising,” says Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at Lewisville Flower Mound Oncology. “While this procedure is lifesaving when it is indicated for treatment, it is a serious procedure that shouldn’t be entered into lightly.”

Data collected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows the rate of double mastectomies being performed has tripled over the past few years. Between 2005 and 2013, the number of single mastectomies performed rose by about 36 percent. More women are also opting to undergo double mastectomies without a diagnosis of breast cancer than ever before.

A rise in the use of genetic tests to better gauge breast cancer risks is partly to blame for the increased numbers. These tests may very well produce results that indicate a mastectomy or double mastectomy could be beneficial. That is not always the case, researchers are finding. Some women are being motivated by what is known as the “Angelina Jolie” effect to undergo surgery as a preventative measure.

“It is typically best to carefully consider the results of genetic testing and work with a healthcare provider to choose the wisest path for treatment should breast cancer be diagnosed,” says Dr. Echt. “Undergoing a double mastectomy, for example, when genetic risks are not present and a lumpectomy would serve for treatment can open women up to a host of complications that are not strictly necessary. Sometimes less is truly more.”

An estimated 246,000 American women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually. While mastectomies are indicated as viable and important treatment options in many of these cases, some women will find less-invasive interventions are available to them. Women should discuss all treatment plans and their potential risks and benefits with their healthcare providers. Undergoing a prophylactic mastectomy without a strong genetic cause or the presence of breast cancer, for example, may open the door for complications that are simply not necessary.

About Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group
The Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group has state-of-the-art facilities that offer individualized care to patients throughout North Texas. With a team of expert oncologists and other specialists on staff, the Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group treats a variety of cancers and blood disorders with an eye towards the newest advancements available in diagnostic technology and treatments.