Hello tuttifrutti
Thanks for your post.
It’s understandable that you’re asking if you should consider a mastectomy or push for an MRI, given the results of the Breast Cancer risk Assessment Tool.
It’s also natural to worry that you’ll be getting optimum treatment given your family history of breast cancer.
If you are in the UK, the information we offer is specific to what is currently available in the UK and the above tool wouldn’t be used to assess your risk. As treatments and healthcare services vary so much in different countries, it’s, therefore, difficult for us to comment on practices in the US
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) is an early form of breast cancer, which does not have the ability to spread outside the breast via the bloodstream.
Your treatment plan will have been discussed in the multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT) based on imaging and biopsy results, where they take into account size, grade and location of the tumours. When considering options for surgery, a mastectomy would not usually be recommended if the surgeon was able to remove the tumour with clear margins of tissue around them (breast conserving surgery). Although some women may choose to have a mastectomy, for a variety of reasons.
It’s important to discuss your concerns with your breast care nurse and as @entropy says, you could ask about your individual risks based on your family history. Most breast cancers aren’t related to an inherited altered gene, such as BRCA. Your breast care would be able to let you know if you are eligible for genetic testing, if this is something you’d like to consider.
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0800 138 6551 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.
We offer a range of other free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link.
You’re also welcome to 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.
The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Addie
Breast Care Nurse
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