I want a double M
So I've only just been diagnosed, haven't seen a surgeon yet, but was told I'd probably be offered a single mastectomy. Thing is, I want a double. For more than one reason. I don't want to have to wo...
Forum Discussion
Hi, I've only just been diagnosed as well. So doing lots of research. One thing I do understand is that you should always have choice over your own body, even if you are in the public system vs the private system. So if you wish to go for a bilateral mastectomy, you can. It's your body, it's your choice.
Hi Kaye, Thank you for your reply. I assumed I would have a choice too but Breastscreen QLD said that to get a double without cancer in the second breast, I'd need to get a positive gene test. I tried to get one done this morning with a GP referral to pathology, but the pathologist said that even though I clearly meet the medicare criteria for a free test (2 cancers with the first before 50yrs - I have 3 separate cancers) they need a specialist referral. Apparently Breastscreen QLD used to do these referrals but now don't. So I'll ask for a referral on monday when I have my initial consultation with a surgeon. The issue with this is that apparently the gene tests can take a long time to do. Not really sure but I was trying to make sure I had the gene test results back before surgery so that I don't have 2 separate operations (assuming a positive test result) for efficiency and to minimise recovery time. I was told it costs about $900 to get the gene test done without a specialist referral.
Otherwise apparently we have to pay to get the second one removed. There was an article on ABC news recently that mentions this: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-18/going-flat-after-breast-cancer-perspective/105627758 The lady interviewed for this article paid to have her second breast removed.
Of course if money was no object, I wouldn't be having these issues and could just choose what happens to my body.
Info on gene testing is here: https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/screening-and-diagnosis/family-history-and-genetics/genetic-testing-for-breast-cancer-risk/
this includes the full medicare criteria:
- breast cancer diagnosis before the age of 40
- diagnosis of breast cancer in both breasts ('bilateral') or 2 breast cancers, with first cancer first diagnosed before the age of 50.
- diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer diagnosed before the age of 60.
- diagnosis at any age of male breast cancer.
- the presence of a faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 would make you eligible for Olaparib (targeted therapy).
On this page it also says the test costs around $400. I think this info may be out of date.