October 7, 2013 (CHICAGO) --
Some women facing early stage breast cancer may think having both breasts removed is the best insurance against a recurrence. But is it necessary? University of Minnesota researchers looked at data from 100,000 women over 30 years. They found on average the procedure only boosted life expectancy by an average of six months.
Researchers say the good news is that doctors are getting better at treating breast cancer and sparing the healthy breast.