Dr. Kapil Kumar
Director − BLK Cancer
Centre & HOD − Surgical
Oncology
BLK Cancer Centre
BLK Super Speciality
Hospital, New Delhi
Preventing future Cancer risks with
Prophylactic Surgery
Prophylactic Surgery is a preventive surgery to remove organs or
glands from the body which have high risk of developing Cancer
in future.
THE CASE
Mrs. Archana Devi, a 40-year old lady from Delhi, was a carrier
of BRCA1 Cancer gene and was at high risk of developing Cancer
associated complications. BRCA are human genes that produce
Tumour suppressor proteins. When these genes mutate, protein
product is either not produced or does not function correctly. This
can damage the DNA and may lead to cancer. Upon inspection,
both her ovaries showed vascular proliferation. Final diagnosis
indicated subcutaneous mastectomy specimen on the right side
with focal stromal fi brosis. Further, uterus with bilateral Salpingo -
oophorectomy specimen was also found.
THE PROCEDURE
She underwent Prophylactic Surgery for breast and ovaries at BLK
Cancer Centre as a preventive measure to beat life threatening
Breast and Ovarian Cancer which might have developed at a later
stage because of its mutated BRCA genes.
THE RESULT
After the procedure, Mrs. Archana Devi was at a lower risk of
developing Breast and Ovarian Cancer and associated complications.
Motivated by Mrs. Archana Devi’s case, another lady with similar
situation also underwent Laparoscopic B/L Salpingo-oopherectomy
+ Prophylactic left simple Mastectomy to prevent herself from any
future Cancer development.
DISCUSSION
According to experts, women with the BRCA mutations have upto
50% greater chance of developing Breast and Ovarian Cancer. In
most cases, the Cancer is well advanced before doctors, or patients,
even know about it but by then it is too late. Centres of Excellence
such as BLK Cancer Centre are working towards offering end-to-end
solution to save women from deadly diseases with genetic screening,
and preventive measures such as Prophylactic Surgery. Increased
awareness, easy access and genetic screening have made it possible
to identify the disease at an early stage and adopt possible preventive
measures. Leading Hollywood Actress, Angelina Jolie, had undergone
Prophylactic Surgery to reduce the risk of Ovarian and Breast Cancer.
Her decision inspired and empowered thousands of women to come
forward and take important health decisions.