20% Increase In Lives Saved For Women With Mastectomies

Research has revealed that double mastectomy surgeries may improve survival rates in women with specific breast cancer genes

Following the recent, highly publicised decision by Angelina Jolie to undergo double mastectomy surgery, increased attention has been placed on the relative merits of preventative operations and the likelihood of developing life-threatening illnesses following these procedures. A recent study published by the British Medical Journal examined correlations between women with malfunctioning BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, both of which have been linked to hereditary breast cancer, who had displayed early signs of cancer and were undergoing mastectomy operations.

During the study, information was gained as to the number of women who opted for single mastectomies, those that initially underwent a single mastectomy and later had their second breast removed, and those who had a double mastectomy procedure. The results of the studies showed that women who had both breasts removed in the early stages of the disease had a 48% higher chance of survival over their peers. The researchers involved in the project stated that, in a group of 100 women undergoing double mastectomy procedures, 87 would likely survive for at least 20 years following the operation.

Because of this, researchers have stated that it is now "reasonable to propose bilateral mastectomy as the initial treatment option for a woman with early-stage breast cancer who carries a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation."

Treatment has long been a subject of intense research for doctors looking to gain additional ground in the fight against breast cancer. These new observations will allow women to feel further empowered to take an active role in their treatment plans. With such optimistic results, women who have been diagnosed with this particular form of breast cancer can enter treatment in a decidedly more positive frame of mind.

Libby Lloyd-Bennett, owner of the mastectomy clothing website ChantillyRose.co.uk, further explored these issues when saying, "Some women feel that they lose their identity when they go through a mastectomy operation, despite the increased benefits to health and to their life preservation. At ChantillyRose.co.uk, there are many products that help women feel and look attractive, just as they did before their operation." Libby went on to say, "We feel that we are more than just a website for mastectomy clothing and products. We have created a network of like-minded ladies and, therefore, our products are borne out of the desires of our customers. All camisoles, bras, breastforms and more have been selected for retail based on what our customers have told us they want."

Chantilly Rose continually strives to ensure that all of their customers have the opportunity and ability to rediscover and nurture their femininity following mastectomy operations.