PHOTO GALLERY: Breast cancer survivors deal with their decision to have a double mastectomy

March 10, 2013 | 6:00 a.m. CDT

Women face the decision to remove a healthy breast with a double mastectomy after having breast cancer in one breast. Research shows that the number of women opting for double mastectomies after breast cancer is increasing.

Pam Neugebauer, 54, started Sister's HOPE in Missouri, an annual three-day retreat for breast cancer survivors. Neugebauer was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, and underwent strenuous treatment, which ended in a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. | Elizabeth Cardwell

Yvonne Ball, 61, is a nine-year cancer survivor who lives in Columbia. After she was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2003, Ball underwent chemotherapy, two separate mastectomies and reconstructive surgery.
| Elizabeth Cardwell

Lisa Gale, 53, is a four-year breast cancer survivor and a resident of Jefferson City. In December 2009, Gale was diagnosed with cancer in her right breast. She underwent chemotherapy, radiation therapy, a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. | Elizabeth Cardwell

Medical oncologist Mary Muscato sits in her office at Missouri Cancer Associates. Muscato is also an attending staff physician at Boone Hospital Center. She typically sees patients after mastectomies. | Elizabeth Cardwell