profilactic mastectomy because of BRCA1, and breast reconstructive surgery

1. Jewish law does permit a healthy woman who has tested positive for a mutation in the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene to undergo a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy.

A person is allowed to put himself at risk in order to avoid more severe risk in the future.

2. Also, see Tr. Avoda Zara 27 b (or the Rodkinson translation thereof)

3. Bilatural mastesectomy (=removing the breasts) does not make the woman AKARA

4. Removal of the overies when indicated is a cause of infertility

5. The time and the age for such surgery should be discussed carefuly with the woman's physician .

6. Breast reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy is permitted and recommended.