Hi - sorry you have to go through this worry. I think you should ask the anaesthetist first whether a double mastectomy would be safe. My thinking is that a double mastectomy will take longer than a single one so might increase rather than lessen risk. But only your medical team can really advise on that one. Also, mastectomy isn't the only treatment for BC if you do need treatment further down the line. My mother had stage 3 BC (radical mastectomy followed by radiotherapy and tamoxifen) and there were calcifications in the other breast, but she has gone over a quarter of a century without further surgery – the other breast didn't develop cancer! Have you had any genetic tests which might help predict if your other breast was at increased risk?

It can be tricky managing co-morbidities so it is good to ask what would be best. The anaesthetist will likely have a key input here, but there is also the question perhaps of how likely the cancer is to recur set against the risks of a double mastectomy and your COPD. Good luck!

Hello and thank you for your post.

I am sorry to hear that you are going to have surgery for breast cancer and that you also have COPD. I can appreciate your question regarding the removal of the unaffected breast.

Having the other (non- cancerous breast removed) needs to be discussed with your breast doctor. In the UK this can usually only be offered if the woman has a significantly increased risk of developing breast cancer. This is usually because there is a strong family history and/or there is an inherited gene being passed down to family members. If there is a concern that you could have an increased risk of developing breast cancer then you could discuss this with you breast specialist.  However the vast majority of women with breast cancer do not have a significantly high risk of getting it.  Therefore bilateral mastectomies are not usually offered. You might find reading the patient information from NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) about this helpful, you can see it here 

As you know your breast surgery is also affected by COPD.  So if a bilateral mastectomy was offered perhaps it would not be carried out at the same time. 

Remember that surgery is one part of breast cancer treatment. Taking hormonal treatment (if your cancer is oestrogen receptor positive) reduces the risk of the cancer coming back, anywhere in the body.  Also you will be followed up for a number of years.

I hope this has been helpful.  Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care,

Caroline