The original article can be found in: Antigua Observer By Theresa Gordon
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – A leading oncologist on the island believes preventative double mastectomies are practical for women who may have a high risk of breast cancer, but stresses that such decisions should not be taken lightly.
Dr Daoud Yakoub, head of the Oncology Department at the Mount St John Medical Centre (MSJMC), said those with BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are pre-disposed to developing cancer and pre-testing should be done before mammaries are removed.
“It is something that is disfiguring and painful for the lady. We have to first check carefully if she has a triple negative cancer cell, family history or any other indication before doing a mastectomy,” he said during an exclusive interview with OBSERVER media.
Dr Yakoub was responding to the recent reports that Actress Angelina Jolie underwent a preventative double mastectomy after learning that she carries a mutation of the BRCA1 gene, which sharply increases her risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
He said the BRCA1 gene is mostly found in women younger that 50.
BRCA1 is a human caretaker gene that produces a protein called breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein, responsible for repairing DNA.
BRCA1 is expressed in the cells of breast and other tissue, where it helps repair damaged DNA, or destroy cells if DNA cannot be repaired.
If BRCA1 itself is damaged, damaged DNA is not repaired properly and this increases risks for cancer.
The doctor pointed out that a system would be implemented shortly in collaboration with an international organisation to facilitate BRCA1 testing.
This test, however, will only be done if an individual has a family history of cancer or strong symptoms of the disease.
“In the states it will be cheaper for the patient, it is a simple blood test. We are now working out the logistics to start the process in a few weeks,” Yakoub said.
In terms of the local situation in Antigua & Barbuda the doctor said there is a considerable amount of persons with the triple negative cancer (the most aggressive type of breast cancer).
He said his department is working along with technocrats at the American University of Antigua (AUA) to provide adequate statistics.
This he indicated will be ready in about one month.
