04-05-2025
KCCC: 28 reconstructive surgeries performed for breast cancer patients
KUWAIT: Under the patronage of Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi, the Kuwait Cancer Control Center (KCCC) organized a specialized workshop focusing on reconstructive and cosmetic surgery for breast cancer patients, hosting renowned visiting surgeons to introduce modern surgical techniques and plans.
Dr Magda Al-Saleh, Consultant Surgical Oncologist and Head of the Breast Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery Unit at KCCC, explained that this year's workshop placed greater emphasis on reconstructive breast surgery rather than cosmetic enhancements. The workshop catered to breast cancer patients who had undergone partial or total mastectomies.
The center welcomed two leading reconstructive surgeons from the United Kingdom—Dr Dimitri Hajimissian and Dr Peter Barry—who performed delicate and complex reconstructive surgeries, requiring high levels of expertise. Dr. Al-Saleh noted that due to the center's heavy caseload of primary breast cancer operations, reconstructive surgeries are not carried out daily but are instead concentrated in specialized workshops hosted by prominent visiting surgeons.
During the four-day event, 28 breast reconstruction surgeries were performed—a significant number given the short timeframe. The first day of the workshop was dedicated to case discussions, clinical evaluations, and determining individualized reconstruction plans for each patient. Dr Al-Saleh pointed out that a similar workshop last year saw 26 reconstructions completed out of 34 cases presented.
Highlighting a concerning trend, Dr Al-Saleh warned of the increasing incidence of breast cancer in Kuwait, particularly among younger women aged 20 to 30, and emphasized the need for dedicated research to better understand the causes behind these rising rates.
Dr Salah Fayaz, Oncology Consultant at KCCC, stressed the importance of these annual workshops in keeping local surgical teams updated on the latest global advances in breast reconstruction and plastic surgery techniques. He praised the workshop's outcomes, noting that surgeries incorporated diverse international planning approaches to the benefit of patients.
Dr Fayaz also underscored the critical importance of early screening, especially for individuals with a family history of breast cancer. He explained that genetic testing is available to detect mutations linked to the disease. Despite nationwide awareness campaigns and the availability of the Ministry of Health's National Early Screening Program, he lamented that many cases are still diagnosed at late stages.
He reminded the public that while national guidelines recommend breast cancer screenings starting at age 40, individuals with hereditary risk factors are strongly advised to begin screenings at a younger age.
