Women opt to lose breasts to beat cancer

Having both her breasts removed in her 20s made Krystal Barter feel like one of the luckiest women alive.

Her great grandmother, grandmother and mum all had breast cancer and when Krystal found out at 23 that she, too, carried the genetic mutation which put her at high risk of developing the disease, her doctor laid out her options.

She could take medication to try and prevent the disease developing, have six-monthly check-ups to monitor for any signs of illness or take the radical step of having a double mastectomy.

After suffering two years of severe anxiety, fear and insomnia following the confirmation she was among the one per cent of Australian women at high risk of breast cancer based on family history, Krystal had a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in 2009.

Two years on, she is disease free and feeling positive.

"I'm not saying having preventative surgery is right for everyone but I was incredibly lucky this was the way in which it ended up for me," said the 28-year-old Sydney mum of three and internet entrepreneur.

"Because I had witnessed my mum and grandmother (be diagnosed with breast cancer), there was a fear factor in it and I didn't want my whole life to revolve around it.

"Since I had my breasts removed, I have never had another anxiety attack. It felt like a cloud had lifted."

While having both breasts removed before even being diagnosed with breast cancer is a radical move, it seems most women would follow in Ms Barter's footsteps.

A Newspoll commissioned by Cancer Australia and released to coincide with Pink Ribbon Day on Monday has found six out of 10 Australian women would consider having both breasts removed if they were at high risk.

But the survey of 600 women aged over 18 also revealed most incorrectly assumed they would be at high risk if just one relative had breast cancer.

Half were unaware that having women on their father's side of the family tree diagnosed with breast cancer was just as important as diagnoses made on the mother's side in determining breast cancer risk.

Cancer Australia chief executive Dr Helen Zorbas said about one in 500 women were estimated to have inherited the genetic mutation which gives them an 80 per cent chance of developing breast cancer and a 50 per cent chance of ovarian cancer.

Those who have a mastectomy reduce their chances of developing breast cancer by 95 per cent.

"We were surprised that 60 per cent of the women surveyed said they would have a mastectomy and also interestingly younger women were just as likely to consider it as women aged 50 and over," Dr Zorbas said.

"It tells us that women are highly concerned about being at risk and would consider what might be seen as drastic measures, but for some it may relieve anxiety to reduce the risk.

"And while 60 per cent said they would consider it, only about one in 10 on the ground, in reality, who are identified as having the genetic mutation choose to have their breasts removed."

More than 14,000 Australian women are diagnosed each year with breast cancer, which is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths.