Prophylactic Mastectomy and Salpingo-Oophorectomy: Ethics and Policy

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the fifth most common cause of death from cancer in women. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest type of the gynecological cancers. Concerning women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, surgical alternatives for reducing their risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer are prophylactic mastectomy, skin-sparing mastectomy, and prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy. The arguments of the proponents and opponents regarding prophylactic mastectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy are presented. Prophylactic surgeries are controversial; hence, mandating immediate interventions on the policy level.