Study Advocates Expanded Mastectomy Access to Curb Breast Cancer Rates

A recent study led by researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and Queen Mary, University of London, advocates for expanded access to mastectomy for women at elevated risk of breast cancer. The research, published in JAMA Oncology on July 24, 2025, suggests that offering risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) could significantly decrease breast cancer incidence among women who meet specific risk criteria. The study's findings indicate that RRM is a cost-effective alternative to traditional screening methods and medication for women aged 30 and above with a lifetime breast cancer risk of 35% or higher.

According to Dr. Rosa Legood, Associate Professor at LSHTM, the study provides a comprehensive economic analysis demonstrating that expanding the criteria for RRM could potentially prevent approximately 6,500 of the 58,500 breast cancer cases diagnosed annually in the UK. "This research could lead to a paradigm shift in clinical guidelines, allowing more women at increased risk to access preventive surgery," Dr. Legood noted.

The study utilized data from women aged 30 to 60 years, focusing on those with varying lifetime breast cancer risks ranging from 17% to 50%. The researchers employed guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which considers a treatment cost-effective if it offers one additional year of health for no more than £20,000 to £30,000 per patient. Using a threshold of £30,000 per Quality Adjusted Life Year, the findings suggest that RRM is a feasible option for women who may not have BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2 mutations but still face a substantial risk of developing breast cancer.

Professor Ranjit Manchanda, a leading researcher in the study, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, "Our results define the risk threshold at which RRM should be offered, potentially extending access to women who previously were not considered for this preventive measure." He further highlighted the importance of conducting additional research to evaluate the long-term outcomes and the acceptability of RRM among women at high risk.

The implications of this study are profound as they may lead to a reevaluation of existing medical guidelines, thereby allowing a broader spectrum of women to benefit from preventive surgical options. As the healthcare community continues to explore personalized risk assessment models that integrate both genetic and medical data, the potential for expanded mastectomy access could represent a significant advancement in breast cancer prevention strategies.

Furthermore, the study's findings align with ongoing discussions about the importance of personalized medicine in oncology. The ability to tailor interventions based on individual risk factors reflects a growing trend towards customized healthcare solutions, which not only aim to enhance patient outcomes but also optimize resource allocation within the National Health Service (NHS).

In conclusion, the research advocates for a proactive approach to breast cancer prevention, suggesting that healthcare providers must consider expanding access to RRM for women at heightened risk. This shift could ultimately lead to a reduction in breast cancer cases and improve the quality of life for many women, marking a critical step forward in the fight against this pervasive disease.