Preventive mastectomy

Prophylactic mastectomy – a life-saving decision

A prophylactic mastectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing both breasts to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. It is performed on women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer, often associated with inherited gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Although a mastectomy is a dramatic step, for many women it can be a way to prevent the development of cancer and also to regain a sense of control over their own health.

When should you consider a prophylactic mastectomy?
A prophylactic mastectomy is most often considered by women who:

Have a family history of breast cancer (especially among close relatives such as a mother, sister, or daughter).
Have been diagnosed with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, which significantly increase the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
Have other risk factors, such as previous health problems related to the breasts.
The decision to have a preventive mastectomy is very individual. It requires a thorough consultation with a doctor, who can recommend additional genetic tests and assess the risk of disease.

How is the procedure performed?
A preventive mastectomy may involve the removal of one breast (in the case of loading only one side) or both breasts. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and lasts several hours. It is also possible to reconstruct the breast at the same time as the removal procedure to restore the natural appearance of the chest.

Convalescence
After the procedure, the woman requires a hospital stay for several days. Convalescence lasts from several weeks to several months, depending on whether the patient has decided to have a simultaneous breast reconstruction. During this time, appropriate medical and psychological care is important to help the patient get through this difficult period.

Why is it worth deciding on a preventive mastectomy?
The decision to have a preventive mastectomy can significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer – in women with BRCA gene mutations, the risk of developing cancer can be as high as 85%, and breast removal reduces this risk by about 95%. For many women, it is also a way to regain a sense of control over their own body and health, especially after a diagnosis or in the case of a family history of cancer.

Cost of the procedure
A preventive mastectomy costs from PLN 10,000