Preventive mastectomy is a procedure to remove healthy breasts with the aim of preventing breast cancer. Preventive mastectomy is recommended for women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer, such as having a mother or sibling with breast cancer.
Based on data from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia in 2018, breast cancer. Based on data from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia in 2018, breast cancer.
Breast cancer grows in breast tissue, especially in the milk-producing ducts and glands. Preventive mastectomy is one way to prevent breast cancer.
The goal of this surgery is to remove all breast tissue that has the potential to develop into breast cancer.
Who Should Have a Preventive Mastectomy?
Preventive mastectomy surgery is performed on women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer. A woman’s risk of developing breast cancer increases if:
- Have a mother or sibling who has breast cancer
- Have a breast biopsy showing the presence of early-stage breast cancer or lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
- Having a BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genetic mutation. This is the main indication for preventive mastectomy surgery on both breasts
- Have breast cancer in one breast
- Taking hormone replacement therapy more than five years after menopause
- Have a history of radiation therapy to the chest area before the age of 30 years
The risk for breast cancer is also greater in women who have never been pregnant after age 30, had their period before age 12, or had menopause after age 55.
Thing yneed dpay attention SBefore Preventive Mastectomy Surgery
Before undergoing mastectomy surgery, the patient must undergo a complete medical examination first. The procedures used to detect breast cancer are physical examination, mammogram, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, genetic testing, and breast biopsy.
After the examination is carried out and the results show that the patient has a high risk of developing breast cancer, the doctor may suggest a preventive mastectomy.
Although in general it is quite safe to do and the patient can still have an ideal breast shape, there is no denying that this surgery can affect the patient’s psychological condition, especially when both breasts are removed.
Psychological problems that can be experienced by women after a mastectomy include lack of self-confidence to depression.
Similar to surgery in general, the mastectomy procedure also has some risks of side effects, such as bleeding, infection, pain, and complications related to the side effects of anesthesia.
Prevent Breast Cancer Safter Preventive Mastectomy
After mastectomy, patients still need to undergo regular breast examinations. Some things that patients can do to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer in the future are:
Doing pexamination early
Women who are at high risk of breast cancer are advised to regularly check with the doctor according to the schedule recommended by the doctor. The earlier it is detected, the higher the chances of being cured of breast cancer.
Mengconsumption drugs
There are certain drugs, such as tamoxifen and raloxifenewhich can block the effects of estrogen so that the growth of breast cancer cells is inhibited.
However, these drugs have side effects, so their use should be consulted with a doctor first.
Live a healthy lifestyle
Women who are obese after menopause are more at risk of developing breast cancer. Therefore, maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain weight.
Avoiding smoking habits, excessive stress, and limiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages can also reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Everyone has different health conditions and levels of risk for cancer. To be able to determine whether a preventive mastectomy is necessary or not, you should first consult with your doctor to ensure the appropriate action.
