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Double mastectomy might not improve cancer survival rate

Posted at 1:51 PM, Sep 03, 2014
and last updated 2014-09-03 17:46:20-04

The number of women with breast cancer choosing to have a double mastectomy, which removes both breasts, is rising.

But new research suggests women who remove only the cancerous breast have just as high of a survival rate, about 82 percent over a 10-year period, as those who remove both.

Some are calling it the Angelina Jolie effect. The star has been public about her decision to have a double mastectomy last year due to her high genetic risk.

Perhaps genetics is the key word here. 

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