How Surgery Can Prevent Certain Cancers

Cancer is a formidable adversary, affecting millions of lives worldwide each year. While advancements in treatment have improved survival rates, prevention remains the cornerstone of the battle against this disease. Surgery, often seen as a primary treatment modality, also holds significant potential in preventing certain types of cancer.

Zanish Cancer Hospital believes that knowledge can prevent disease and so in this blog we will explain how surgical interventions can serve as powerful tools in the fight against cancer, particularly in cases where prevention is paramount. This knowledge will help you take informed decisions regarding your health.

Prophylactic or preventative surgery involves removing tissues or organs at high risk of developing cancer before the disease manifests. This approach is particularly effective in individuals with a strong family history of certain cancers or those carrying genetic mutations predisposing them to cancer development. For instance, prophylactic mastectomy in women with BRCA mutations significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer, while prophylactic colectomy can prevent colorectal cancer in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

In cases where individuals have precancerous lesions or conditions predisposing them to cancer, surgical intervention can reduce the risk of cancer development. Examples include removing precancerous polyps during colonoscopy to prevent colorectal cancer or excising cervical dysplasia to prevent cervical cancer. These procedures not only mitigate the risk of cancer but also offer peace of mind to patients by eliminating the looming threat of the disease.

Some cancers develop from precancerous lesions that can progress to invasive disease if left untreated. Surgical removal of these lesions can halt their progression and prevent the development of cancer. For instance, the removal of precancerous skin lesions through procedures like excisional biopsy or Mohs surgery can prevent the onset of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Similarly, removing precancerous oral lesions can prevent oral cancers from developing.

In cases where cancer has already developed in one organ, surgical removal of that organ may prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. This approach, known as primary tumour resection, is often employed in cancers such as ovarian cancer, where removing the ovaries and fallopian tubes can prevent the spread of cancerous cells to the peritoneum or other distant sites.

Certain populations, such as individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis or those exposed to environmental carcinogens, face an elevated risk of developing cancer. Surgical interventions such as colectomy in ulcerative colitis patients or removal of tissue damaged due to exposure to carcinogens can mitigate this risk and prevent cancer development.

Advancements in surgical techniques have led to the development of minimally invasive procedures that offer reduced recovery times and lower complication rates. These techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries, make preventive interventions more accessible to patients, encouraging early intervention and risk reduction.

It is undeniable that surgery plays a crucial role in preventing certain cancers by removing precancerous lesions, organs at high risk of cancer development, and reducing the overall risk of cancer in high-risk populations. As our understanding of cancer biology and surgical techniques continues to advance, the role of surgery in cancer prevention will only become more prominent, offering hope for a future where cancer is prevented before it ever takes hold.

If you are in the high-risk group or have any unexplained symptoms, consult our experts for accurate diagnosis and appropriate timely treatment.