Introduction
As a woman with
early-stage breast cancer
(DCIS or Stage I, IIA, IIB, or IIIA breast
cancer) you may be able to choose which type
of breast surgery to have. Often, your choice is between
breast-sparing surgery
(surgery that takes out the cancer
and leaves most of the breast) and a
mastectomy
(surgery that removes the whole breast). Research shows
that women with early-stage breast cancer who have
breast-sparing surgery along with
radiation therapy
live
as long as those who have a mastectomy. Most women
with breast cancer will lead long, healthy lives after
treatment.
Treatment for breast cancer usually begins a few weeks
after diagnosis. In these weeks, you should meet with a
surgeon, learn the facts about your surgery choices, and
think about what is important to you. Then choose
which kind of surgery to have.
Most women want to make this choice. After all, the kind
of surgery you have will affect how you look and feel. But
it is often hard to decide what to do. This booklet has
information that can help you make a choice you feel
good about.
This booklet is for women who have early-stage breast
cancer (DCIS or Stage I, IIA, IIB, or IIIA). If your cancer
is Stage IIIB, IIIC, or IV this booklet does not have the
information you need. To find information for you, see
"Resources to Learn More."
Of note, important words are in bold and defined
through this booklet.
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