Hello, I’m totally confused, my bcn told me having a mastectomy significantly reduces recurrence rate, but I’ve read online it makes no difference any chance you can clarify?
I can understand the confusion when there is so much information that you can read on line.
Everyone's case is very individual and I am not sure whether your breast care nurse was looking at your individual case or the general population. Often the decision as to whether to decide to do a mastectomy versus a lumpectomy is because of either the size of the cancer or the position for example if it is near the nipple.
Sometimes if a patient has a mastectomy then it could mean that they don't need radiotherapy afterwards as all the breast tissue has been removed but of course this is not always the case.
If you do have a lumpectomy the pathologist will examine the tissue that has been removed to make sure that there is a clear area of healthy tissue around the breast. In some cases a surgeon has to go back and remove more tissue to ensure that there is a clear margin.
I would go back to your BCN and your surgeon and discuss what you have read on line so you feel properly informed before you decide which course of action to take.
In some cases a mastectomy is the preferred option if they feel that it is in a patient's best interests so do keep an open mind.
You are very welcome to ring and chat through any of this with one of the helpline nurses. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.
