Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
13:35
Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
Published on: May 17, 2024
Breast surgeons' perceptions and attitudes towards contralateral prophylactic mastectomy.
Toni Musiello1, Emelie Bornhammar, Christobel Saunders
1School of Surgery, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. toni.musiello@uwa.edu.au
ANZ Journal of Surgery
|October 10, 2012
Summary
Breast surgeons observe rising rates of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM). Surgeon demographics like age and gender do not influence CPM recommendations, which consider both objective risks and patient-reported factors like fear.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Breast Surgery
Background:
- Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) rates are increasing globally.
- Understanding surgeon perceptions and practices regarding CPM is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Australian and New Zealand breast surgeons' perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes towards CPM.
- To explore associations between surgeon demographics and CPM recommendation/performance rates.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study design was utilized.
- Breast surgeons completed a self-report questionnaire assessing perceptions, attitudes, knowledge, and demographics related to CPM.
Main Results:
- 37% of contacted surgeons participated (n=81).
- 44% perceived an increase in their CPM rates over the past year.
- CPM rates were not significantly associated with surgeon age or gender.
- Key recommendations for CPM included BRCA+ mutation, family history, and patient factors (fear, anxiety, symmetry).
Conclusions:
- Breast surgeons perceive an increase in CPMs performed in their practice.
- Surgeon demographics (age, gender) are not linked to CPM rates.
- Surgeons consider objective risk factors alongside subjective patient factors like fear and desire for symmetry when recommending CPM.
