What is a mastectomy and why might you need one?
Mastectomy is one of the words most commonly associated with breast cancer. But what does it mean?
A mastectomy refers to the procedure used to remove a breast and all breast tissue, and it's one of the surgical options used to treat breast cancer. In some cases, surgeons may recommend that you also have chest muscles and some lymph nodes removed too.
It's also a preventative treatment, with many women who are at particularly high risk of developing breast cancer (such as because they have the BRCA gene mutation, like Angelina Jolie) opting for a pre-planned mastectomy to reduce their risk.
When I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2022, I was given the option of a mastectomy. At the time, I had one identified cancerous tumour of around 1cm diameter. However, my scans and biopsies had also identified some other areas of breast tissue with pre-cancerous cell changes. With the news that my breast was "unstable", I opted to have a single mastectomy - removal of the affected boob. My consultant also recommended that I had several lymph nodes removed too, to check that the cancer hadn't spread (thankfully, we got it early).
There are different types of mastectomy, and your surgeon will recommend the best type for you. All are carried out under general anaesthetic and have a lengthy recovery period. And you may be able to have a reconstruction at the same time*.
Some key things to know:
🩷 It's a highly effective breast cancer treatment
🩷 Some people opt for a double mastectomy as a preventative measure
🩷 You'll need to stay in hospital for a day or two after surgery
🩷 Physical therapy is an important part of your recovery as you'll have restricted movement and reduced strength in your shoulder and arm on the affected side
🩷 If you have lymph nodes removed, you'll be advised not to have blood pressure checked, blood taken or canulas placed into that arm in the future to reduce your risk of developing lymphedema
🩷 You can get a "free" prosthetic boob on the NHS if you decide against reconstruction but it'll take around 3-6 months for you to get it, and you'll be issued with a rubbish foam alternative in the meantime
🩷 Mastectomy bras are free from VAT (yay) but they do cost more than standard bras (boo)
🩷 Mastectomy swimwear still has a LONG way to go
🩷 Bio oil is the gold standard for taking care of your scar, but you'll probably still find that it aches from time to time, mine is especially bad when its cold
🩷 Grieving for your lost boob is totally normal
🩷 If people piss you off and you have a prosthesis, you can whip it out and throw it at their heads
Still got questions about mastectomies? I'll be happy to answer them, just drop a message in the comments or shoot me an email using the contact form.
D x
* I tried, but in my body's typical fashion, it said no and I had my implant removed after I contracted sepsis.