What to ask your doctor about breast cancer surgery

Breast cancer surgery is a complex topic. Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor. There are questions about

What kind of operation do I need?
What is the exact name of the operation?
Will I need more than one operation?
Do I have a choice between having the lump removed or having my whole breast removed?
Can I avoid radiotherapy by having a mastectomy?
Is there any breast cancer treatment I should have before my operation?
Can I avoid a mastectomy by having treatment to shrink my cancer?
What will my breast look like after surgery?
What will the scars look like?
Can I see the breast care nurse before the operation?
Can I meet any other women who've had this type of surgery for breast cancer?
How will the surgery affect me and how long will it take to get over it?
How will you check my lymph nodes? How will this affect me?
How will you control my pain after the operation?
Should I stop smoking before I have surgery and how will this help?
Should I stop taking HRT?
Will I need other treatment after surgery?

Why do I need a mastectomy?
In my case, is it best to have a breast reconstruction at the same time as the mastectomy?
Can I have breast reconstruction at the same time as my mastectomy?
What will you do about my nipple?
Can I have nipple reconstruction?
Will I need to wear a false nipple? (click for organisations offering nipple prostheses)

Would breast reconstruction be appropriate for me?
Would you advise me to have breast reconstruction at the same time as mastectomy?
If you would not recommend reconstruction at the same time, please explain why
What method would be best for me – do I have a choice?
What are the advantages and risks of each method?
What do you do about my nipple?
Can I have nipple reconstruction?
Will I need to wear a false nipple (click for organisations offering nipple prostheses)
Is there a specialist in the hospital who does breast reconstruction?
If there is no breast reconstruction specialist in the hospital, can you recommend a surgeon in my area?
How often do you do this type of surgery?
Can you show me pictures of other reconstructions you have done?
Can you put me in touch with other patients who have had this type of reconstruction?
Will I have scars?
Where will the scars be and what will they be like?
How will you control my pain after the operation?
How long will it take to get over the operation and get back to normal?
In your experience, how often do complications occur?
Which complications are most common?
Is there a waiting list for my type of surgery?