My Treatment

Is removal of the breast the only way to treat breast cancer?

Not necessarily, breast conservation is possible if certain criteria are met. These criteria may be different for different women. Your doctor will be able to assess your condition and whether you meet these criteria.

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When is breast conservation not suitable?

Breast conservation is generally not advisable if:

• cancer is present in multiple areas within the same breast
• the tumour is relatively large compared to the breast size
• there is history of prior radiation therapy to the breast or chest regions
• surgical margins remain positive after reasonable attempts at repeated operations

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Can a new breast be created after the removal of my breast for cancer?

Following removal of the whole breast due to cancer, a new breast can be reconstructed (breast reconstructive surgery). This can be done at the same time as the breast removal or delayed until all treatment has been completed. There are two main methods. One method is to use synthetic implants to insert behind the muscles after removal of the breast. The other method involves using your own “spare” tissue and fat from various areas (most commonly the tummy and the back) to create the new breast.

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What happens after my breast surgery? 

The breast team, comprising the surgeon, breast care nurse and physiotherapist, will visit you in the ward to share relevant information and instructions with you, so as to prepare you for early discharge and continued recovery at home.

It’s natural to feel emotional at a time like this, and you may at some stage feel fearful, anxious, depressed, angry or tearful after your surgery. It may help you or your family to talk to somebody about any thoughts and concerns.

You can speak to the Breast Care Nurse or any member of the breast team. The psychologist is also available to counsel patients and their family members. Any information you share with members of the health care team at the hospital will be treated with strict confidence.

Before leaving the hospital, you will be given an appointment one to two weeks after your discharge to see the surgeon in breast centre. During the appointment, your surgeon will check the wound and discuss the results of your surgery. You will then be referred to see the medical oncologist if chemotherapy is required and/or radiation oncologist if radiotherapy is required.

Will my life be changed while on breast cancer treatment?

Life may be changed or difficult initially during the treatment period. Side effects such as nausea, vomiting and temporary hair loss during chemotherapy, or daily visits to the cancer centre for radiotherapy may be tiring. But after treatment is completed, life usually returns back to normal. A little adjustment is necessary especially in caring for the operated side arm to prevent complications.

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