Professor Kefah Mokbel, Consultant Breast Surgeon

Published September 2nd, 2010 | Last updated January 23rd, 2012
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Professor Kefah Mokbel is the Professor of Breast Cancer Surgery at the Brunel Institute of Cancer Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, London and is a Consultant Breast Surgeon at the London Breast Institute, the Princess Grace Hospital; and St George’s Hospital, London. Prof Mokbel has been ranked as one of the top 5 breast cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. specialists in the UK and amongst the top 25 in the world.

In addition to his expertise in breast cancer surgery, Prof Mokbel founded, and is the president of, Breast Cancer Hope, a UK-based charity aimed to improving the quality of life in women with breast cancer. Alongside his interest in all types of breast surgery, Prof Mokbel has a specialist interest in the prevention of breast cancer including geneticRelating to the genes, the basic units of genetic material. predisposition, as well as the management of benignNot dangerous, usually applied to a tumour that is not malignant. conditions such as breast cysts and fibroadenomas.

Prof Mokbel graduated in 1990 from the London Hospital Medical College with several awards and the highest score of the year. In 1994 he received Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons, England and was awarded a Master of Surgery degree in 2000 by the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine for his exceptional research into the molecular biology of breast cancer.

He says that the reason why he has such a good level of treatment outcome is because of his attitude to the care of his patients, “I have a great passion for my work. I strive for excellence and perfection in the management of breast disease.”

Articles: 

  • Breast pain (mastalgia)

    By Professor Kefah Mokbel, Consultant Breast SurgeonContact

    Mastalgia literally means 'pain in the region of the breast' and is the most common symptom reported by women attending breast clinics. To make a full assessment of the cause, all patients require a full history, examination and, sometimes, investigations.True breast pain can either be cyclical (getting worse before menstruationThe shedding of the lining of the uterus (period), as part of the female reproductive cycle.) or non-cyclical (unrelated to menstruation). It is important to point out that breast cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. does not usually cause mastalgiaBreast pain.

  • The causes and treatment of breast discharge

    By Professor Kefah Mokbel, Consultant Breast SurgeonContact

    Most cases of nipple discharge are due to normal, benignNot dangerous, usually applied to a tumour that is not malignant. conditions and are usually hormoneA substance produced by a gland in one part of the body and carried by the blood to the organs or tissues where it has an effect.-related. Approximately one third of all women can produce a nipple discharge by gently massaging their breasts. This 'innocent' nipple discharge usually comes from multiple ducts in both breasts in pre-menopausalRelating to the menopause, the time of a woman’s life when her ovaries stop releasing an egg (ovum) on a monthly cycle. women. Blood-stained discharge from a single duct in one breast can be sinister in nature and may represent an underlying carcinomaA malignant tumour (cancer) that is formed from the epithelium, the tissue that covers the open surfaces of organs..

  • How implants can be used in reconstructive surgery following breast cancer

    By Professor Kefah Mokbel, Consultant Breast SurgeonContact

    Approximately one in five patients with breast cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. will require a mastectomy rather than a lumpectomy. As mastectomy results in the distortion of the body image, it is natural for some patients to seek reconstructive surgery. However, some women are just relieved to have had the cancer removed and are not keen on having breast reconstruction. Although an external implant is available that can be put inside the brassiere, it may be inadequate for some women.

    The choice of reconstruction depends upon the woman's build, shape and size of her breasts, previous scars, and her own preferences.

  • Breast Cancer, Skin-sparing Mastectomy and Reconstruction

    By Professor Kefah Mokbel, Consultant Breast SurgeonContact

    Skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) has become a valid option for women who are undergoing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction for early breast cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body.. With SSM most of the natural skin envelope is preserved during the immediate breast reconstruction leading to a much better aesthetic outcome. It also reduces the need for surgery on the other breast, which may otherwise be required to give a symmetrical appearance. 

  • Are you at risk of getting Breast Cancer?

    By Professor Kefah Mokbel, Consultant Breast SurgeonContact

    The risk of developing breast cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. increases with age; an average European woman aged 25 years has a 1 in 15000 chance of developing breast cancer; for a 40-year old woman the risk is 1 in 200, for a 50-year-old woman the chance is 1 in 50, and at the age of 80 years the chance is 1 in 11.

    The number of cases of breast cancer is five times higher in Western countries than in Far Eastern countries such as Japan and China. However, Japanese women who move to the USA increase their risk of developing breast cancer, which shows that the environment also plays an important role.

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