Breast Cancer Decision Making
You Can Choose….
Breast cancer is very different than other medical diagnoses. If you have appendicitis or high blood pressure, your doctor likely won’t ask what type of surgery you want or which blood pressure medicine you want to use. If you have been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, however, your doctor will usually ask for your input to determine which treatment is best for you.
Patients with early-stage breast cancer are often asked to choose between the following:
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Breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy
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Reconstruction now or later
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Chemotherapy or surgery first
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5 days of more intense, localized radiation or 6 to 7 weeks of whole-breast radiation
These choices exist because one option in comparison to another does not affect ultimate survival or even, in most cases, recurrence risk. Before making your decision, you should:
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Ask your doctors lots of questions about risks, late effects, benefits of one option over another.
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Ask to see other members of your treatment team (for example, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, plastic surgeon) if you are uncertain what will be best for you.
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Seek a second opinion if you are not comfortable with your doctor or your treatment plan.
Having choices is a gift for many and a burden for some. You must make the best choice given the information available to you. Take the time necessary to make the best decision for yourself.
