Choice of treatment

The chances of surviving early breast cancer are the same for women who have a lumpectomy| followed by radiotherapy, as for women who have a mastectomy|. So you may be asked to choose the treatment that you feel suits you best.

Making treatment decisions can be difficult. It’s important to talk everything over with your surgeon, breast care nurse and your partner, family or a close friend. Make sure you have all the information you need to feel confident you’re making the right decision for you.

You may find our information on Making treatment decisions| helpful.

The BresDex website| is for women who have early breast cancer and have been given a choice between a lumpectomy with radiotherapy and a mastectomy. You may also find it helpful to call the Macmillan Support Line| or another support organisation|. 

It’s helpful to think about the possible advantages and disadvantages of both of these treatments before making a decision.

Lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy Back to top

Advantages

• In early breast cancer, it’s as effective as a mastectomy.
• It keeps the shape of the breast.
• It may be less likely to affect your sex life and relationships.

Disadvantages

• You’ll need three weeks of radiotherapy after surgery, but even with a mastectomy you may still need radiotherapy.
• Radiotherapy has short-term side effects, such as skin soreness and tiredness, and some women may experience long-term side effects.
• Despite reassurance, some women worry about the risk of the cancer coming back in the breast.

Mastectomy Back to top

Advantages

• Radiotherapy, which has short- and possible long-term side effects isn’t usually given. But some women may still need to have it, so ask your cancer specialist about this.
• Some women feel less anxious about the cancer coming back because all the breast has been removed.

Disadvantages

• Losing your breast can be extremely distressing.
• It will permanently change your appearance.
• It may affect your confidence, sex life and relationships.
• Having breast reconstruction may help to reduce these problems for some women.