Will a surgeon remove both my breast if thats what i want??
Do you mean as a precautionary measure without a diagnosis of cancer? Or as an alternative to a single mastectomy to make you feel symmetrical?
Surgeons will rarely remove a healthy breast under the ‘Do no harm’ principle in my experience. You would have to demonstrate how much it was negatively affecting you. They would likely send you to a psychologist first.
After being diagnised with ER+/PR+ ILC, with single mastectomy required, I requested double mastectomy for symmetry and as I thought having one boob would be harder to deal with than having none. I was advised I would need to be referred to Psychology and it would hold up treatment. I ended up going for smx with immediate diep reconstruction.
Hi claspe,
Thanks for posting.
There are many reasons why people want to consider a double (bilateral) mastectomy and these reasons are often unique to each individual.
The majority of women with breast cancer in one breast do not require both breasts to be removed as the majority of women will not develop a cancer in the unaffected breast, and it can have a negative impact on quality of life and how someone feels about their appearance.
Some people may choose to have both breasts removed because they have a higher risk of developing breast cancer due to an inherited altered gene, or because of a strong family history. This is called risk reducing surgery. You can read more in our information Family history of breast cancer: managing your risk (BCN244) | Breast Cancer Now.
It’s important that the reasons you want to have your breasts removed are discussed and explored with your healthcare team, so that you can fully understand the risks and benefits of the operation. As @greenqueen says sometime the surgical team will make a referral to a clinical psychologist to help people make this decision.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
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Best wishes
Vic
Breast Care Nurse
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