Double mastectomies (also known as contralateral prophylactic mastectomy) has more than doubled in the last 10 years among women with early-stage breast cancer. But the latest research shows that having the healthy breast tissue removed may be pointless as it will not have an impact on their survival rate.

The decision has to do fear that having cancer in one breast will mean they have an increased risk of contracting cancer in the other. However, researchers found that it didn't really have a survival benefit unless they've tested positive for one of the BRCA mutations.

This has also caused a lot of confusion as to whether BRCA carriers should have just their ovaries removed, or have a complete hysterectomy. So far there has been conflicting evidence as to whether or not they are at an increased risk for uterine cancer.

Medical Xpress