prophylactic masectomy

I am 41 years old and had my first screening mammogram in 3/02.
At that time, I had to go back for a diagnostic mammo and sonogram for an "8mm ovaloid nodularity" on my right breast.  After having done that, the radilogist and the breast surgeon conferred and told me just to come back in 4 months.  I did that, and after several views and a sonogram, they both agreed that they didn't find anything and told me to come back in 6 months.  Since then, my mother-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer and has undergone chemo and radiation.  My follow-up appt. is scheduled for 1/7.  I am making myself sick worrying about breast cancer.  Have there been many prophylactic masectomies? Am I even being rational?  I have always had a terrible fear of cancer and now that I am getting older, it is just getting worse.  Everyone keeps telling me that the people who worry about it are the ones who usually wind up having it.  What should I do?

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear tdltj, Perhaps something that may help you would be discussing with your breast surgeon your real risk of breast cancer.  Looking at the risk factors of things you can change such as keeping fit, (obesity is a risk factor), as well as what you cannot change, such as your genetic makeup.  Based on this information you may be able to come up with a more real idea of what your risk is.  Prophylactic mastectomy is an extreme measure, if you're risk factors are low, monthly self breast exam, and yearly clinical breast exam and mammogram (with follow up of any abnormalities) are recommended. Worry doesn't cause breast cancer.