According to a new study, a common surgery for women suffering from breast cancer is now on the rise for men with the disease. The study was published on Wednesday in JAMA Surgery.

A contralateral prophylactic mastectomy, or a double mastectomy, is removal of the healthy breast and the one affected by cancer. According to the study, this type of surgery has emerged as a popular alternative for patients as it cuts the risks of recurrence of the disease.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, number of men treated with double mastectomies rose from 2004 to 2011. It mentioned that in 2011, 5.6% of men with breast cancer decided to go for the surgery compared to 3% in 2004.

The contentious surgery is recommended for only some men. American Cancer Society's Dr. Ahmedian Jemal, the lead researcher of the study, said that the rates that have been observed in the study are higher than expectation.

According to Jemal, "Health care providers should be aware that the increase we've seen in removal of the unaffected breast is not limited to women, and doctors should carefully discuss with their male patients the benefits, harms and costs of this surgery". Jemal added that it will assist patients in making informed decisions regarding their treatments.

It has been found by researchers that 4,800 men went for a single-breast mastectomy and 278 men opted for removal of both breasts with a contralateral prophylactic mastectomy.