There are several ways of treating breast cancer. Your surgery or treatment will be tailored to your needs and discussed fully with you before it begins.
No treatment will be carried out without your consent.
Treatment options include:
Surgery
Most primary breast cancers will be treated with surgery to remove the tumour. The surgery will be tailored to your particular needs.
There are three common types of breast cancer surgery:
Surgery may also involve testing or removing lymph nodes from the armpit.
Pre-assessment
Patients having surgery will be given an appointment to attend the pre-assessment clinic before their operation. This is to ensure you are fit for the procedure.
An anaesthetist will ask about your general health and any previous experiences with anaesthetics, including side effects such as sickness.
If necessary, you may be asked to have an anaesthetic assessment. This may require an overnight stay.
A member of staff will explain the operation and any potential complications. They will also mark where the lump is on the skin of your breast.
Consent
You will be asked to sign a consent form before surgery. No medical treatment can be given without patient consent.
It is important that you read and understand this form before signing it.
Day of surgery
A breast care nurse will visit you while you are in hospital. They will discuss the planned surgery and answer any questions you may have
A nurse will also prepare you for theatre. You will be asked to remove jewellery (except your wedding ring) dentures and contact lenses.
Self-directed aftercare
Once treatment for breast cancer is complete, some patients may be able to take part in supported ‘self-directed aftercare’ arrangements. This allows individuals to take responsibility for and control of their own healthcare.
A doctor or breast care nurse will discuss this with a patient if it is appropriate.