Which surgery should I have?
Some women will be offered a choice between breast-conserving surgery and a mastectomy. Mastectomy may be performed with or without reconstruction of the breast depending on patient preference, tumour type and co-existing medical conditions. Alternatively, reconstruction may be performed as a delayed procedure after initial breast cancer treatment.
There is evidence breast-conserving surgery combined with sentinel node biopsy and followed by radiation therapy, has similar survival outcomes to mastectomy for most women with early breast cancer. The chance of the cancer coming back in another part of the body is the same with either type of surgery.
The operations have different benefits, risks and side effects. Talk to your doctor about the options and together make a decision that is right for you.
For more information see: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au