Questions to ask your breast surgeon

It often helps to have a list of questions to ask your breast surgeon and specialist nurse. This can help you gather the information you need before you decide what to do. Here are some suggestions:

• What types of surgery are suitable for me and why?
• What are the possible complications or risks of the surgery?
• Where will cuts be made and what might the scars look like?
• How long will it take for me to get over the operation?
• If I decide to have surgery, how long will I have to wait to have it done?
• Can I talk to someone who has had risk-reducing surgery?
• Can I talk to somebody about the possible emotional effects of having a risk-reducing mastectomy?
• What type of support will be available to me after the operation? (This is just as important as support offered before the operation.)
• If I decide not to have breast reconstruction, is there anyone who can give me advice about breast prostheses, bras and swimwear, etc?

If you’re thinking about breast reconstruction| as well, you may want to ask further questions| about that.