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WHEN IS A BILATERAL MASTECTOMY RECOMMENDED?

Having both breasts removed is recommended for women at very high risk of breast cancer. For example, those who have tested positive for a breast cancer (BRCA) gene change are at very high risk. These high-risk women often have their breasts removed before they get breast cancer. This is called a preventive or prophylactic mastectomy. It can greatly lower their risk of cancer.
Having cancer in one breast does not put a woman in this very high-risk group. Your doctor can help you understand your own personal risk of a new cancer and the best way to manage that risk.