What is a significant preventative measure for reducing the risk of breast cancer?

A prophylactic mastectomy is a significant preventative measure for reducing the risk of breast cancer, particularly for individuals with a high genetic predisposition to the disease, such as those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. This surgical procedure involves the removal of one or both breasts before cancer develops, effectively reducing the likelihood of developing breast cancer in those at elevated risk.

While other options may offer some benefits or contribute to overall health, they do not provide the same level of risk reduction as prophylactic mastectomy. For example, regular physical exercise can generally improve health and may have a protective effect against various diseases, but it does not guarantee the elimination of breast cancer risk. Similarly, taking vitamin supplements or adopting a vegetarian diet might contribute to a healthier lifestyle but have not been consistently proven to sufficiently decrease the risk of breast cancer to the extent that a prophylactic mastectomy can in high-risk individuals.