AFTER Hollywood actress, Angelina Jolie spoke publicly about her double mastectomy, a Harrow breast cancer doctor has praised her bravery.
Breast cancer expert Dr Nihal Shah, who practices at BMI The Clementine Churchill Hospital in Watford Road, Harrow, has praised the actress’ decision to speak publicly about the removal of both her breasts.
Consultant Oncologist, Dr Nihal Shah said: “Ms Jolie’s decision to go public on her treatment has bought to the spotlight the issues surrounding a women’s genetic risk of developing breast cancer.
“It is, however, important to put the risk into perspective and I would advise women not to panic. The risk of having the gene mutation is low and the genetic test need only be taken if there is a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer.”
Ms Jolie revealed she had undergone surgery this month following a positive result for the BRCA1 gene. She had the blood test as her mother had died, aged 56, from ovarian cancer.
Dr Shah added: “I would encourage women in Harrow to understand that the majority of women who develop breast cancer, or who have a relative with breast cancer, do not have a BRCA mutation, and will not need to consider having a preventative double mastectomy.
“Even if you do have a positive result, surgery is not the only option available and your specialists would discuss other options for surveillance.”
