E! News Host and reality tv star, Giuliana Rancic announced that she had breast cancer in October. At that time, she had lumpectomies to remove the cancer from both breasts but revealed on the Today Show that the doctors were unable to remove all of the cancerous tissue from one breast. Rancic could potentially have a second lumpectomy in that breast followed by a round of radiation and then medications which is the usual course of treatment but is concerned that this will interfere with her desire to have a baby.

Instead of having another lumpectomy, Rancic is planning to do what many women in her situation have opted for- she will have a double mastectomy to protect herself from recurrence and to make sure that all of the cancerous tissue has been removed. Some doctors are alarmed at the number of women who are opting to have both breasts removed even when there has only been cancer found in a single breast. Multiple studies have shown that survival rates are no different from those who stick to the more conservative approach so the benefits are purely psychological. However, there are cases where the preventative double mastectomy may be the key to better care, especially in women who have certain genetic mutations that can greatly increase their risk of certain types of breast cancers.

Rancic had no known family history of breast cancer. Hers was found during a doctor's examination for IVF treatment as her and her husband, Bill worked to having a child. The couple married in 2007 and have been unable to conceive a child naturally, turning to IVF for assistance. For some, the question has been whether or not these fertility treatments increase breast cancer risk, especially in those who have no other risk factors. Experts dispute the link as mere coincidence saying that it is likely that the person may have found cancer because they have had screenings for the fertility treatment but it was not caused by the IVF. Rancic had the mammogram at her doctor's suggestion which allowed the cancer to be found in its very early stages.

Rancic joins the ranks of others who have opted to have a double mastectomy when faced with breast cancer including comedian Wanda Sykes and actress Christina Applegate. Survivor rates of breast cancer have increased in the last few years, even when using the lumpectomy/radiation/medication treatment route over the more radical double mastectomy.