Let's learn about Prophylactic Mastectomy to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Sometimes you may feel a fear in your heart, "Oh, my mother also had breast cancer, I don't know if I will get it too...". Do you also have this kind of fear and doubt in your heart? In fact, some people are more prone to developing breast cancer than others, that is, they have a higher risk. So for those who are at such a high risk, we are talking today about a special medical procedure that can reduce that risk as much as possible.

Simply put, what is Prophylactic Mastectomy?

Although the name sounds complicated, what happens is very simple. Prophylactic Mastectomy is the surgical removal of one or both breasts before they develop, with the aim of reducing the risk of developing breast cancer. This is also called "Preventative Mastectomy" or "Risk-reducing Mastectomy."

Who should consider this surgery?

If you think you have a high risk of developing breast cancer, you can talk to your doctor about this and make a decision. This surgery is usually considered for people with the following risk factors:

• Family history of cancer: Your risk is higher if someone in your family, especially a close relative like a mother, sister, or daughter, has had breast cancer. And your risk is even higher if that person developed the cancer before the age of 50.
• Genetic test results: Genetic testing can detect certain gene mutations that increase the risk of breast cancer. In particular, if mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are confirmed, the risk of cancer is very high.
• Having cancer yourself: If you already have cancer in one breast, some people choose to have the other healthy breast removed in this way. However, this does not change the treatment or outcome of the existing cancer.
• Undergoing radiation therapy: If you have had radiation therapy to the chest area for another reason when you were younger, between the ages of 10 and 30, that is also a factor that increases the risk of breast cancer.

How successful is this surgery?

The biggest benefit of this surgery is that it can significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

• For someone with a genetic mutation like BRCA1 or BRCA2, the risk of cancer is reduced by about 95% after this surgery.
• Someone who is at high risk due to family history can reduce their risk by about 90% .

This does not mean that the risk will be completely eliminated, but that it can be reduced to a very minimal level.

Are there different types of this surgery?

Yes, this surgery is performed in various ways depending on the patient's needs and medical recommendations. Let's see what the main types are.

What happens before and during the surgery?

Before surgery

Your doctor and medical team will give you all the instructions you need before the surgery. On the day of the surgery, you will be given a hospital gown. Then, an IV line will be connected to your arm and you will be given anesthesia. This means you will be completely asleep. So you will not feel any pain or anything during the surgery .

During surgery

The surgeon follows these steps:

• The skin is cut (incision) at a suitable location on the breast.
• The breast tissue is carefully separated from the skin and chest muscles.
• The separated breast tissue is completely removed.
• If you have decided to have breast reconstruction, that step begins now.
• One or more small tubes (drains) are placed near the wound to drain excess fluid and blood that accumulates as the wound heals.
• Finally, the incision is sewn back together and covered with a bandage.

This surgery usually takes about two to three hours, but it can take longer if breast reconstruction is also being done at the same time.

What happens after the surgery?

After the surgery, you will need to stay in the hospital for a day or two. This time will depend on your health and whether you had reconstructive surgery. Before you leave the hospital, the medical team will give you instructions on how to care for your wound at home and how to care for your drain tubes.

Also, you will be taught special exercises to reduce stiffness in your arms and shoulders after surgery. It is very important to do these correctly.

Recovery time varies from person to person. It usually takes 3-4 weeks for you to start feeling a little better. If you had reconstructive surgery, it can take 8 weeks or longer to recover. It may take several months before you can resume your normal activities.

Aren't there any risks to this surgery?

Like any surgery, this one has some risks.

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Loss or decrease in breast skin sensation

In addition to these physical risks, we also need to pay attention to the psychological impact . After surgery, you may feel anxious, sad, and lost about your body's appearance. This is very normal.

What are the symptoms that require you to see a doctor immediately?

If you experience any of these symptoms after returning home from surgery, you should call your doctor immediately .

• Excessive bleeding from the wound
• Fever
• Pain that persists or increases over several weeks
• Redness or swelling around the wound that does not go away
• Warmth when touched around the wound

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