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Surgery Choices for Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer
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    Posted: 10/22/2004



Introduction






Step 1: Talk with your surgeon






Step 2: Learn the facts






Step 3. Find out about your surgery choices






Step 4: Compare your choices






Step 5: Think about what is important to you






Step 6: Make your choice






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Step 1: Talk with your surgeon

Talk to a surgeon about your breast cancer surgery choices. Find out what happens during surgery, types of problems that sometimes occur, and other kinds of treatment (if any) you will need after surgery. Be sure to ask a lot of questions and learn as much as you can. You may also wish to talk with family members, friends, or others who have had breast cancer surgery.

After talking with a surgeon, you may want a second opinion. This means talking with another doctor who might tell you about other treatment options or simply give you information that can help you feel better about the choice you are making. Don't worry about hurting your surgeon's feelings. It is common practice to get a second opinion and some insurance companies require it. Plus, it is better to get a second opinion than worry that you made the wrong choice.

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