News and culture through the lens of Southern California.
Hosted by A Martínez
Airs Weekdays 2 to 3 p.m.

Breast cancer: Does a double mastectomy actually help?

Stacey Bowles inside the machine that uses radiation to treat her for breast cancer at the UCLA Heath Center in Santa Monica. She opted for a double mastectomy when she learned she had cancer, but a new study suggests that in young women mastectomies often had no affect on mortality rates.
Stacey Bowles inside the machine that uses radiation to treat her for breast cancer at the UCLA Heath Center in Santa Monica. She opted for a double mastectomy when she learned she had cancer, but a new study suggests that in young women mastectomies often had no affect on mortality rates.
Benjamin Brayfield/KPCC
Take Two® |

Listen to story

04:44
Download this story 2.0MB

More women with cancer in one breast are choosing to have both removed.

But, a study published last month in the Journal of the American Medical Association says this more radical procedure is largely unnecessary.

KPCC's Elizabeth Aguilera looks at the complexities and emotions involved in treating breast cancer. 

Related: Questions raised about when to choose double mastectomy

Enjoy Take Two®? Try KPCC’s other programs.

See all of our programs

AirTalk®

With Larry Mantle

Weekdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Lively and in-depth discussions of city news, politics, science, entertainment, the arts, and more.

Latest
Week In Politics: The Economy, 2020 Polling, Presidential Candidates’ Policy Proposals And More

FilmWeek®

With Larry Mantle

Friday 11 a.m. - noon

Reviews of the week's new movies, interviews with filmmakers, and discussion.

Latest
FilmWeek: ‘Where'd You Go, Bernadette,’ The Angry Birds Movie 2,’ ‘Good Boys’ and The Notable Stories Behind Directors' Cuts

Take Two®

With A Martínez

Weekdays 2 to 3 p.m.

News and culture through the lens of Southern California.

Latest
Use Of Force Law, K. Connie Kang, School Air Conditioning

The Frame®

With John Horn

Weekdays at 3:30 p.m.

Movies, music, TV, arts and entertainment, straight from Southern California.

Latest
A Double Dose Of 'Fleabag' Sisterhood

What's popular now on KPCC

FilmWeek: ‘Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark,’ ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold,’ ‘The Kitchen’ and more
Teen drivers FAQ: What are the rules in California?