Key Highlights
- Sascha Dua, a breast cancer surgeon, has been featured on the Channel 5 series “The Surgeon.”
- The documentary follows her daily life and medical practice at Broomfield Hospital.
- Dua highlights the lack of female representation in surgical positions within the medical field.
- One patient, Jess Sloan, shares her experience with breast cancer diagnosis and treatment on the show.
Surgical Spotlight: The Surgeon Takes a Deeper Look into Breast Cancer
The latest addition to the Channel 5 lineup, “The Surgeon,” offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of breast reconstruction surgery. For 52-year-old Sascha Dua, this means not only performing life-saving operations but also balancing her role as a single mother to a teenager.
A Surgeon’s Life Beyond Operating Rooms
Dua specializes in reconstructive breast surgery at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford. Her daily routine is captured on camera, showing the intricate balance between professional duties and personal life. “They’re like, ‘OK, you’re not a typical surgeon… you’re not a typical white male,'” Dua explains with a wry smile. “I said, ‘no, I’m more than that, I’m a single mum too.'”
Her presence on the show is significant for breaking stereotypes and showcasing that women can excel in surgical roles traditionally dominated by men.
The Patient Journey: From Diagnosis to Recovery
Jess Sloan’s story is a stark reminder of why Dua does what she does. A 36-year-old mother from Chelmsford, Sloan had her first inkling something was off while getting dressed one morning. “I looked in the mirror and I noticed my breast looked slightly different,” she recalls. “So, I felt it and there was a lump there.” This moment marked the beginning of her harrowing journey towards diagnosis and treatment.
The documentary follows Sloan as she undergoes two lumpectomies at Broomfield Hospital. Her account of the emotional and physical toll is both heart-wrenching and empowering. “Being a mother to a toddler has been a great distraction,” she admits, “but it’s tricky because everything that is coming will affect her in some way.”
Breaking Barriers: The Need for Representation
Dua reflects on the scarcity of women in high-level surgical positions. “It would be so much nicer if we made it easier for women who are doing the bulk of the child-rearing, or the men who are doing the bulk of the child-rearing, to go off and succeed.” Her words carry a weighty message: representation matters not just as an abstract concept but in practical terms. The lack of diverse role models can discourage potential candidates from pursuing careers in medicine.
“Traditionally you’ll still see more men in consulting positions than women,” Dua adds, acknowledging the progress yet to be made. “But they’re coming up.” This series serves as both a testament to her skills and a beacon for aspiring female surgeons.
The Surgeon airs on Channel 5 at 21:00 GMT on Wednesday, February 25, offering viewers an intimate look into the lives of those who fight breast cancer every day. Sascha Dua’s story is more than just a career— it’s a personal triumph over adversity and a call to action for change in the medical field.
