Can A Breast Reduction Reduce The Risk Of Cancer?

Breast reduction surgery is a medical and cosmetic procedure performed by a breast reduction surgeon. This type of surgeon is specifically trained to perform procedures involving the reduction and augmentation of the breasts. If you have a strong family history of breast cancer you may have the disease-causing mutation in your genes and you may be wondering if there are preventative measures you can take. Studies have been done that show that there is evidence that breast reduction surgery can reduce the risk of cancer, but there are some caveats that we’ll explore below.

Can breast reduction reduce the risk of cancer?

Breast reduction surgery cannot cure cancer, but it can reduce the risk. Because breast reduction surgery involves the excision of excess tissues, skin and fat from the chest, it can remove cancerous cells if they are already there or if the person undergoing the surgery already possesses the disease-causing mutation but does not show signs of breast cancer. There is one specific procedure that can be done to reduce the risk of breast cancer: bilateral prophylactic mastectomy.

What is bilateral prophylactic mastectomy?

Bilateral prophylactic mastectomy can include the removal of one or both breasts. The nipples may be removed as well, depending on how much breast tissue needs to be excised. You can also undergo breast reconstruction surgery afterwards to create more natural looking breasts. Nonetheless, with this type of mastectomy, the chest wall is not removed and there may be some breast tissue that remains. Furthermore, breast tissue can remain in the armpit, above the collarbone and even in the abdomen. Even the most skilled breast cancer surgeon cannot remove this tissue. But, this procedure still comes with a 95 per cent chance of breast cancer reduction in women who have the disease causing mutation and 90 per cent in women with a strong family history of breast cancer.

A breast cancer surgeon must perform this surgery. You cannot visit any surgical professional. They must be specifically trained to handle the contours, muscles and tissues of the breasts.

What to look for in a breast reduction surgeon

When selecting a breast reduction surgeon to perform your procedure, find someone you have a good rapport with. Set up consultations with different well-established surgeons and ask them questions about their experience and schooling. You can also get a referral from your general practitioner.

If you’ve already been diagnosed with breast cancer, you can undergo a reduction surgery. Please contact us for more information.