A new study that combined the results of prior studies (through a systematic review/meta-analysis) including a total of over 6,000 BRCA1/2 carriers showed that preventive bilateral mastectomy lowered overall deaths as well as deaths from breast cancer, compared to not having this done. This information is important as women with BRCA1/2 mutations are deciding on their health options. Keep in mind, breast cancer screenings (through mammograms and MRIs) are recommended for these women, and have also been shown to save lives; however, these screenings were not the focus of this study.
O’Reilly, et al. JAMA Surg. 2026;161(3):260-267. PMID: 41499127.
Article available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41499127/.
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