Breast or Chest?

By: Jay Dee, MPH

I Think I Want a Double Mastectomy

No, I’m not being dramatic—hear me out.

A double mastectomy, also known as a bilateral mastectomy, is the surgical removal of both breasts, often performed to treat or prevent breast cancer.

According to the BreastCancer.org, it’s one of the most effective preventive options for individuals at high risk of developing breast cancer.

When I was 14, I found my first lump… in Algebra class. Why I was feeling on my breast in the middle of 7th period? No clue. But ever since then, my breasts have been monitored through regular ultrasounds.

Fast forward to about five years ago—I had a biopsy on both breasts to confirm two suspicious lumps were benign (and they were). Still, the concern never left. Especially because two of my first cousins have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Based on my family history, I’m considered high-risk.

Recently, my breast oncologist, Dr. Samiian, recommended I take the BRCA gene test. This test checks for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which can dramatically increase your risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

Now, I’ll be honest. My first reaction was: Why would I want to know that!? If I test positive—what then? There’s no magic pill to make it go away. No quick fix. So what’s the point?

But the truth is, knowledge really is power.

Knowing your BRCA status helps you make informed decisions about prevention—one of them being a prophylactic double mastectomy, which has been shown to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by up to 95% for those with a BRCA mutation (source).

So yes, I’ve been lowkey considering a double mastectomy. Remove the breast tissue, significantly decrease the risk. Plus… I could get implants. I don’t see the problem.

Right now, my doctor is like, “Girl, no.” But I don’t know. I love my titties—I really do—but they can go. After I have a child, I’m definitely circling back to this conversation.

My mom is going to flip when I bring it up. No uterus. No breasts. She might say I should’ve been a boy! But it’s my body. My future. And my peace of mind.

Would you take the BRCA test?

In the meantime, I hope you’re doing your monthly breast exams. Black women are often told we have “lumpy” breasts, but if you’re 30 or older and suddenly notice a new lump—don’t ignore it. Call your doctor immediately.

Keep this information in your back pocket. It could save your life.

Until Next Time,

The Vagina Liberator