A Double Mastectomy As A Preventative Measure - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

A Double Mastectomy As A Preventative Measure: Is It Right For You?

Reality TV star Sharon Osbourne recently said she had a double mastectomy, even though she was not diagnosed with breast cancer.

There's also a Miss USA contestant who is doing the same.

For them, the decision was more of a preventative measure, but is it the right one for you?

Dr. Steven Standiford of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, says the procedure is certainly worth considering but it's not a decision you should make by yourself.

Dr. Standiford discussed the procedure on the FOX 29 News at 5.

There are a number of women who could be considered candidates for the surgery, including someone who carries the breast cancer gene, women who are at high risk for breast cancer or women who have had a cancer on one side but may want to consider a mastectomy on both sides, Dr. Standiford said.

While the procedure could cut the risks significantly, Dr. Standiford says it's important to point out that it's not guaranteed.

You can watch Dr. Standiford's interview in the video above.