mastectomies

A comparison of common treatments for early-stage breast cancer finds lumpectomy with radiation is essentially equal to breast removal in terms of recurrence and survival, with fewer complications.

Doctors have seen a sharp increase in the number of women choosing breast surgery to prevent cancer. But the genetic mutation that contributed to Angelina Jolie's decision is relatively rare, and the vast majority of women who choose prophylactic mastectomy don't face the same level of risk.