Welcome

After a breast cancer diagnosis, you'll be faced with a difficult and emotional decision: Do you choose complete removal of your breast (mastectomy) or removal of only the tumor (lumpectomy) followed by radiation therapy? The information contained in this guide is intended to help you make this important decision.

Breast cancers aren't all alike, and treatment options differ with the type and stage of each cancer. In some situations, one type of treatment is clearly the best, but in others, two different approaches work almost equally well. Which one should you choose? Your doctor can help you sort out the facts, but the decision is yours.

What's inside the guide?

We've gathered information from many sources and organized it to provide complete yet understandable information on the decision you now face. You don't need to read the entire guide at once, but reviewing all of the information will help you be fully informed and know what to expect.

Inside this guide, you'll learn about:

Early-stage breast cancer. Information presented here is designed specifically for women with early-stage breast cancer — also called early invasive breast cancer or early breast cancer. Note that the guide is not designed for women who have noninvasive breast cancer (ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS) or precancerous lesions (lobular carcinoma in situ, or LCIS). The guide also isn't intended for women who have advanced breast cancer (stage III or stage IV).
Surgical removal techniques. The guide covers your options for the surgical removal of your breast cancer. These options are mastectomy and lumpectomy plus radiation.
Treatment trade-offs. The information on mastectomy and lumpectomy includes the trade-offs involved in each treatment so that you can weigh the pros and cons of each choice. You'll meet women who've made different treatment choices as well as hear from a practicing oncologist and a breast care specialist at Mayo Clinic. A list of questions to ask yourself is included to assist you in making your decision.

Information in this guide is specifically geared toward women. Although men rarely do develop breast cancer, women are much more likely to develop breast cancer and face the treatment decisions outlined here.

Medical knowledge changes constantly, and studies sometimes provide conflicting information. Further complicating the matter, the way you deal with a breast cancer diagnosis is unique to you — the decisions your aunt or neighbor made in similar circumstances might not be relevant. Instead of looking for the right answer, focus instead on what's best for you.

Take your time

Most cancers grow slowly. Taking a few extra days or weeks to carefully weigh your options isn't likely to alter the outcome. On the other hand, thorough consideration of your values, lifestyle and personal priorities makes all the difference in how satisfied you'll ultimately be with the decision you make. Even if you determine you're more comfortable asking your doctor to decide, the knowledge you acquire may help make the process a little less frightening.

Female breast anatomy