A Brentwood plastic surgeon has urged caution following the news that Angelina Jolie had a precautionary double mastectomy.
Venkat Ramakrishnan, of Prime Hospital Consultants, has stressed that only a very small percentage of people have the same genetic risk as The Tourist star Angelina.
He said: "The unfortunate news about Angelina Jolie having the double mastectomies for genetic risk of breast cancer has dominated the news media.
"It has particularly affected the women who have breast cancer in the past and those who have relatives with breast cancers."
He added: "We have seen a sudden increase in women coming to us for mastectomy surgery, requesting removal of the unaffected breast, although the cancer is in only one breast. "It is important to recognise that, only a very, very small percentage of people have the genetic risk."
His message to any considering the operation is to talk through your options with qualified professionals before having any further surgery.
"There is a lot to think about and it is so important to look at all risks, benefits and options, before any decisions are made," he said.See below for his advice
Venkat Ramakrishnan, of Prime Hospital Consultants, has stressed that only a very small percentage of people have the same genetic risk as The Tourist star Angelina.
He said: "The unfortunate news about Angelina Jolie having the double mastectomies for genetic risk of breast cancer has dominated the news media.
"It has particularly affected the women who have breast cancer in the past and those who have relatives with breast cancers."
He added: "We have seen a sudden increase in women coming to us for mastectomy surgery, requesting removal of the unaffected breast, although the cancer is in only one breast. "It is important to recognise that, only a very, very small percentage of people have the genetic risk."
His message to any considering the operation is to talk through your options with qualified professionals before having any further surgery.
"There is a lot to think about and it is so important to look at all risks, benefits and options, before any decisions are made," he said.See below for his advice
Angelina Jolie's Double Mastectomy - A Prime Consultant's View
