After well-known actress and social activist Angelina Jolie recently announced in the US newspaper New York Times that she had undergone a preventive bilateral mastectomy, a heated debate began in the media. To cut out or not to cut out?
In addition to the uncertain medical efficacy of the procedure, the psychological aspect that undoubtedly accompanies it also argues against its use. The excision of the breast - an undoubted sex symbol - is for many women tantamount to a loss of femininity.
This results in problems of self-acceptance or self-esteem. It is not uncommon for relationships with loved ones to suffer, especially with a partner or husband who is sometimes unable to cope with the new situation alone.
A bilateral prophylactic mastectomy is a protective treatment, but it does not offer complete safety from cancer.
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Experts are cautious in recommending this to women. They emphasise that the most important thing is nevertheless regular preventive examinations, which are able to detect cancer at an early stage and thus significantly increase the likelihood of a cure.
