RISK-REDUCING SURGERY

WHAT IS RISK-REDUCING SURGERY?

Gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 can lead to a significant risk of developing breast cancer and other cancers (especially ovarian cancer) in women in their later years. The risk of developing breast cancer by age 70 is 44-70% for women with a BRCA1 mutation, while it is 31-56% for those with a BRCA2 mutation.

Therefore, ways to avoid this risk are naturally being sought, and at this point, treatments such as:
1. Close monitoring
2. Follow-up with hormone treatments
3. Bilateral preventive mastectomy (removal of both breasts before cancer is diagnosed - bilateral prophylactic mastectomy - risk-reducing surgery)
are being considered. The most effective of these methods is risk-reducing surgery. When risk-reducing surgery is mentioned, it is called "Bilateral Prophylactic Subcutaneous Mastectomy (BPSM)," which does not cause any change in appearance. It involves preserving the skin of the breast, emptying it, and replacing it with silicone or tissue from the woman's own body. This surgery was most recently performed on the famous American actress Angelina Jolie. In other words, it allows for preventive surgery before the woman develops cancer.

Who can undergo risk-reducing surgery?

1. Those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations.

2. Those with a strong family history of breast cancer (multiple relatives with this disease).

3. Those diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) on breast biopsy (there are no definitive indications for these patients, but such surgery may be considered on a case-by-case basis, and may be discussed - optional).
4.    Those who have previously been treated for cancer in one breast (the risk of cancer recurring in the same or other breast is higher in these women than in other women - optional).