There seems to be some confusion around survival rates and recurrence for mastecomy versus breast conserving surgery (lumpectomy/WLE)
The results are comparable:
Survival:
Overall survival with lumpectomy plus radiation therapy is the same as with mastectomy.
Recurrence:
Compared to mastectomy, there is a slightly higher rate of the cancer returning to the breast (called recurrence or local recurrence) with lumpectomy.
The risk of cancer spreading to other organs (called metastasis or distance recurrence) is the same for both procedures.
Whilst some women feel happier to choose mastectomy, if their surgeon has recommended breast conserving surgery instead then it is as good as mastectomy, they would not be offering it otherwise.
Whilst radiation can cause side effects, the issues around mastectomy and reconstruction are not simple either.
Recontruction is offered on NHS after breast conserving surgery if the cosmetic outcome is unaaceptable.