Breast reduction may be associated with a lower risk of breast cancer, but it does not reliably prevent cancer. Because the operation removes only some breast tissue, it is not a substitute for screening or a risk-reducing mastectomy.
If you have been watching the news, you may have seen more discussion about breast cancer, genetic screening, and prophylactic mastectomy. So, does breast reduction reduce cancer risk? Here is what current research and breast health guidance can tell us.
What Determines Breast Cancer Risk?
Like all cancers, there’s no specific set of traits that guarantee whether you will or won’t develop breast cancer in your lifetime. But there are some things we know to increase your risk of developing breast cancer in the future, such as:
- Being positive for gene mutations that are linked to a high risk of developing breast cancer
- BRCA1/2 are the most well-known, but other mutations in the PALB2, TP53, CHEK2, ATM, BRIP1, RAD51C, and RAD51D genes are also associated with an elevated breast cancer risk
- Having a previous breast cancer diagnosis
- Having multiple female relatives who have developed breast cancer
- Previously having radiation therapy to the chest
If these factors describe you, understand that it’s not a guarantee you will develop breast cancer; it just means you have a higher lifetime risk. The good news is that with technological, scientific, and surgical advances, there are ways to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer or catching it before it can reach more advanced stages.
Does Breast Reduction Reduce Cancer Risk?
The idea behind breast reductions reducing breast cancer risk is two-fold:
- Less breast tissue means there are fewer cells that could become cancerous
- Less dense tissue means screening tools like ultrasounds and mammograms can be more effective, so you can detect any cancerous lesions in the early stages
Breast reduction does not remove every breast cell, so cancer can still develop in the remaining tissue.
What the Research Shows
Important: Screening and risk-reduction decisions still depend on your personal history, family history, genetic results, age, breast density, and other risk factors. Talk with your healthcare team before changing screening or considering preventive surgery.
Research has found an association, not proof, that breast reduction prevents cancer. Some studies report fewer diagnoses after reduction mammoplasty than expected in similar populations.
- In a study of 28,042 women who had bilateral breast reduction, 101 breast cancers were observed compared with 165.8 expected during an average 6.5-year follow-up.
- A population-based study found a similar pattern among 8,021 women in Alberta, 1.1% developed breast cancer after reduction mammoplasty compared with 1.9% of matched controls during an average 12.6 years of follow-up.
- Research shows that reduction mammoplasty can create postsurgical changes that affect mammographic interpretation. That is why screening should continue, with the imaging team aware of your surgical history.
So, while breast reduction surgery may not directly reduce breast cancer risk, it can potentially improve breast health by allowing more productive breast self-examination, imaging, and early detection of abnormalities.
How a Breast Reduction Can Improve Your Life
While breast reduction surgery is not considered a preventive measure for breast cancer, it can provide multiple benefits to your health and wellness:
| The Health Benefits of a Breast Reduction | ||
| Prevent chronic pain in your neck and shoulders from having heavy breasts | Eliminate certain skin conditions associated with large breasts | Reduce shoulder grooving caused by the weight of large breasts pulling on your bra |
What Are My Other Options to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk?
If you are at higher risk for developing breast cancer, your two main options are monitoring or preventive surgery, like a prophylactic mastectomy. Deciding between these two options can feel overwhelming. It’s essential to consult with experts who can make sure you have all the information you need to make the decision that is right for you.
Before deciding on increased screening and surveillance appointments or a prophylactic mastectomy, you should consider the pros and cons of each.
| Monitoring | Surgery | ||
| Clinical breast exams, mammograms, ultrasounds, and breast MRIs | Surgical removal of one or both breasts and surrounding tissues | ||
| Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons |
| Non-invasive Preserves breast tissue Surgery is always an option later | Risk of missed cancer Ongoing anxiety Potential need for more aggressive treatment if cancer is detected | Significant risk reduction Peace of mind Potential for reconstruction Almost no post-procedure regret | Surgery and recovery Loss of breasts Still a small risk of developing breast cancer |
If you are considering a prophylactic mastectomy, a plastic surgeon can help you evaluate all the different treatment options available. You can then make a fully informed decision and get the best outcomes for both your physical health and your mental well-being.
The Bottom Line
So, does breast reduction reduce cancer risk? It may be linked with a lower risk in some studies, but it is not a guaranteed prevention strategy. If you are considering surgery for discomfort, mobility, cancer risk, or quality-of-life concerns, we can help you decide on the best course of action to maintain or improve your health.
Reach out to our office to schedule your consultation to learn more. You can also contact us by phone/text.
FAQs
Does breast reduction reduce breast cancer risk for everyone?
No. Research suggests a possible lower risk after surgery, but the effect is not proven for every patient. Your individual breast cancer risk still depends on your personal and family history, genetics, age, and other factors.
Is breast reduction a cancer-prevention surgery?
No. Breast reduction is intended to reduce breast size and symptoms, not to prevent cancer. For people at very high risk, bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy is the surgery specifically used to lower risk, and it requires an individualized discussion. Learn more from the National Cancer Institute.
Should I still get mammograms?
Yes. Breast reduction does not remove all breast tissue, so follow the screening plan recommended by your healthcare team. For average-risk women, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms every other year from ages 40 through 74, while people at higher risk may need a different plan.
Stephen U. Harris, MD FACS
Dr. Stephen U. Harris is a board-certified plastic surgeon and recognized expert in breast reduction and reconstruction surgeries, having performed thousands in his career. When it comes to patient care, his philosophy is that every surgery should improve his patient’s overall quality of life, not just their appearance. Dr. Harris stays up-to-date on all the latest advancements in breast augmentation, reconstruction, and reduction and is a recognized innovator in the field. In fact, he was the first surgeon at Good Samaritan Hospital to offer primary prepectoral implant breast reconstruction, as well as secondary prepectoral revision surgery.
Dr. Harris also serves as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, New York, and is an active staff surgeon (and former Chief of Plastic Surgery) at South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, New York.