Mastectomy is as effective as breast conserving treatment that includes radiation therapy. If the tumour is small then your surgeon will probably recommend that you choose between breast conserving treatment and mastectomy. Radiation therapy Radiation therapy is necessary each weekday for about 6 weeks. Usually no radiation therapy is necessary. Changes to your body appearance A small amount of your breast will be removed.
Partial prostheses are available.
Your whole breast will be removed. Fear of the cancer returning Some women feel concerned about getting cancer in the remaining part of the breast and in other parts of their body. Breast conserving treatment that includes radiation therapy is as effective as mastectomy in treating early breast cancer. It is very unlikely that the cancer will come back in the breast area after a mastectomy. It is no 'safer' to have a mastectomy than breast conserving treatment.