Cancer expert urges caution on preventative mastectomies
Cancer expert favours regular screening for at-risk patients unless they are frozen by fear
Preventative mastectomies are not encouraged unless the high-risk individuals are overwhelmed by fears of developing breast cancer, according to a breast cancer expert.
Hollywood star Angelina Jolie's announcement of her double mastectomy last week has caused many to ask if they should be tested for the breast cancer genes and if preventive removal is necessary.
Dr Ava Kwong Hoi-wai, University of Hong Kong associate professor and chief of Queen Mary Hospital's breast surgery division, said regular screening was more than 90 per cent accurate, meaning the cancer could be detected at an early stage.
"If you can accept the risk, you don't have to remove your breasts as a preventive measure," she said. "There is no right or wrong, as long as the patient understands the risk."
As for how she usually advises high-risk patients, Kwong said: "I ask them, 'Will you think of it every night and can't sleep? Is it traumatising your life'?" Most people say no, and opt for regular screening.
Private surgeons in Hong Kong charge up to HK$500,000 for a double mastectomy and breasts reconstruction.
The effect of Jolie's high profile action to raise awareness on the disease is also seen in Hong Kong.