Good Morning America reported that Christina Applegate, 36, decided on double mastectomy to ensure that she won’t be bothered by breast cancer again in her lifetime. Although doctors do not totally eliminate the possibility of a recurrence, prophylactic mastectomy reduces the risk by about 95%.



How far would you go to ensure your own survival?

Oncologists described Ms. Applegate’s decision as a “courageous act", while most women her age and stature may have opted otherwise to receive chemotherapy and radiation. Christina did not have much of an option, as the genetic testing which was performed on her, when she had a lumpectomy, showed a grim picture – BRCA1 positive.

The presence of the genetic mutation, BRCA1, indicates a patient is more likely to develop cancer in her lifetime or have a recurrence, even if earlier efforts to halt cancer proved successful. Apparently, Ms. Applegate would not want to put up a comic act when her life is put on the line. A tough decision, it must have been for her, but she decided to tread the unbeaten path for most celebrities.

But she only had cancer in one breast – did she over-react to treatment?

Unfortunately for Christina, the presence of the BRCA1 gene runs in her family as her mother was also stricken with cancer. Perhaps this family history firmed up Christina’s decision not to think twice about a double mastectomy.

Not everyone would have the courage to make this decision in such a short period of time like Christina did, but one thing is certain, there is more to life than having to worry about a pair of breasts. When forced to choose between keeping them or losing one’s life, most would surely - albeit grudgingly – put up a heroic act like Christina’s.