• Clip
• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 30 - 49 >> Interview 14 >> Discusses her experience of prostheses as a Patient and Fitter.

Found a malignant lump and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1982. Underwent a mastectomy and was given radiotherapy. In 2000 diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) and was given a another mastectomy.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 70 and Over >> Interview 45 >> Explains why she opted to have a bilateral mastectomy.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001, had a bilateral mastectomy and was given Tamoxifen.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 50 - 69 >> Interview 43 >> Comments that she was wary of further problems and chose not to have breast reconstruction.

A malignant lump was found and she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1982, underwent a mastectomy and was given Tamoxifen. In 1996 another malignant lump was found and she under went a further mastectomy. The Tamoxifen was continued.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 50 - 69 >> Interview 43 >> Explains how she over-rode the advice she was given and had a double mastectomy.

A malignant lump was found and she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1982, underwent a mastectomy and was given Tamoxifen. In 1996 another malignant lump was found and she under went a further mastectomy. The Tamoxifen was continued.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 30 - 49 >> Interview 14 >> Explains that she did not want breast reconstruction because it involves using other areas of the body.

Found a malignant lump and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1982. Underwent a mastectomy and was given radiotherapy. In 2000 diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) and was given a another mastectomy.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 30 - 49 >> Interview 14 >> Explains why she opted for a second mastectomy.

Found a malignant lump and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1982. Underwent a mastectomy and was given radiotherapy. In 2000 diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) and was given a another mastectomy.

• Topic
• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Mastectomy >> Mastectomy

 

Mastectomy

 

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Mastectomy >> Mastectomy

 

Mastectomy

 

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 50 - 69 >> Janet - Interview 50 >> Janet had always feared getting breast cancer. Her daughter felt the lump and advised her to see her GP.

Janet was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. She was told she’d need a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Janet chose to have chemotherapy before surgery and was able to have a lumpectomy instead. She also had tamoxifen and Femara.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 50 - 69 >> Gillian - Interview 49 >> Gillian was diagnosed with DCIS at a follow-up appointment in which she was given a mammogram.

Gillian was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, aged 51. She had a lumpectomy, radiotherapy, tamoxifen and Arimidex. In 2007 she was diagnosed with DCIS. She had a mastectomy and immediate LD flap reconstruction, and chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 50 - 69 >> Janet - Interview 50 >> Janet was delighted that her tumour shrunk after chemotherapy and that she did not need a mastectomy. She felt uncomfortable being recognised in hospi

Janet was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. She was told she’d need a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Janet chose to have chemotherapy before surgery and was able to have a lumpectomy instead. She also had tamoxifen and Femara.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 30 - 49 >> Penny - Interview 52 >> Penny looked at her mastectomy scar with her husband when she was still in hospital.

Penny was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, aged 37. She had a mastectomy, radiotherapy, tamoxifen and Arimidex. She also had her ovaries removed and has been clear of cancer for ten years.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 30 - 49 >> Penny - Interview 52 >> Penny had a lot of support from her family. She showed them her mastectomy scar because she wanted them to see that she’s still the same person.

Penny was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, aged 37. She had a mastectomy, radiotherapy, tamoxifen and Arimidex. She also had her ovaries removed and has been clear of cancer for ten years.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 30 - 49 >> Penny - Interview 52 >> Penny went on holiday shortly after having a mastectomy. She had to find out about mastectomy wear and bought some swimwear. She felt it was expensive

Penny was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, aged 37. She had a mastectomy, radiotherapy, tamoxifen and Arimidex. She also had her ovaries removed and has been clear of cancer for ten years.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 30 - 49 >> Penny - Interview 52 >> Penny feels that, compared to ten years ago, there is a lot more and better mastectomy wear than when she had her surgery.

Penny was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, aged 37. She had a mastectomy, radiotherapy, tamoxifen and Arimidex. She also had her ovaries removed and has been clear of cancer for ten years.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 30 - 49 >> Tess - Interview 53 >> Tess preferred to have a mastectomy rather than a lumpectomy. She felt relieved after surgery and said it felt as if something had been lifted from he

When Tess was diagnosed with breast cancer, aged 33, she also found out she was pregnant. She had a mastectomy, chemotherapy and tamoxifen and Herceptin. She later had a second mastectomy with immediate breast recontsruction, and had her ovaries removed.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 30 - 49 >> Tess - Interview 53 >> Tess had a family history of breast cancer. Two years after her first mastectomy, she had a second one and breast reconstruction. She was happy with t

When Tess was diagnosed with breast cancer, aged 33, she also found out she was pregnant. She had a mastectomy, chemotherapy and tamoxifen and Herceptin. She later had a second mastectomy with immediate breast recontsruction, and had her ovaries removed.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 30 - 49 >> Tess - Interview 53 >> It can be difficult having treatment and looking after a new baby. At first Tess was also breastfeeding with her healthy breast.

When Tess was diagnosed with breast cancer, aged 33, she also found out she was pregnant. She had a mastectomy, chemotherapy and tamoxifen and Herceptin. She later had a second mastectomy with immediate breast recontsruction, and had her ovaries removed.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 30 - 49 >> Tess - Interview 53 >> Having a double mastectomy and her ovaries removed helped Tess feel that she was doing something to help herself in the future.

When Tess was diagnosed with breast cancer, aged 33, she also found out she was pregnant. She had a mastectomy, chemotherapy and tamoxifen and Herceptin. She later had a second mastectomy with immediate breast recontsruction, and had her ovaries removed.

• Condition
• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Breast Cancer in women

Publication date:  December 2001    Last updated: June 2010

Review date: June 2012

 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and occurs in rare cases in men. We interviewed 53 people about their experiences of breast cancer. Select from the key topics below, choose from the full list of topics, or explore all the interviews.

 

See also... Breast screening and Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 30 - 49 >> Interview 23 >> Explains that her husband was supportive and she is pleased with the appearance of her scar.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. Underwent a mastectomy and was given chemotherapy and Tamoxifen.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 30 - 49 >> Interview 23 >> Explains why she decided to have a mastectomy rather than a lumpectomy.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. Underwent a mastectomy and was given chemotherapy and Tamoxifen.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 50 - 69 >> Interview 29 >> Explains that she had breast reconstruction and was considering nipple reconstruction.

Diagnosed with Paget's disease in 1998. Under went a mastectomy and reconstruction and was given chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 50 - 69 >> Interview 30 >> Explains why she accepted that a mastectomy was the best option for her.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999. Under went a mastectomy and was given radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 70 and Over >> Interview 31 >> Explains that she had a reconstruction over 20 years ago that was very successful.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1977. Was given a double mastectomy with reconstruction.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 70 and Over >> Interview 31 >> Comments on the sense of loss that many women feel after having a mastectomy.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1977. Was given a double mastectomy with reconstruction.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 50 - 69 >> Interview 34 >> Explains that she had a mastectomy 18 years ago, and this was her only treatment.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1983, underwent a mastectomy.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 50 - 69 >> Interview 34 >> Explains why she would prefer not to have to be responsible for making treatment choices.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1983, underwent a mastectomy.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 50 - 69 >> Interview 47 >> Explains the feelings of doubt and rejection she had but that she and her partner are now closer.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998, under went a mastectomy.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 50 - 69 >> Interview 38 >> Explains that after the operation she felt able to start to exercise the following day.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. Underwent a mastectomy and was given chemotherapy, radiotherapy and Tamoxifen.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 50 - 69 >> Interview 39 >> Describes her experience of having a reconstruction at the same time as a mastectomy.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987, under went a mastectomy and reconstruction.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Breast reconstruction >> Breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Making treatment choices >> Making treatment choices

Making treatment choices for breast cancer

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 50 - 69 >> Interview 07 >> Describes the procedure after the operation.

Diagnosed with breast cancer 1998, Ductal Carcinoma in-situ. Underwent a lumpectomy and Radiotherapy. In 2000 found 2 malignant lumps and had a mastectomy, radiotherapy and Tamoxifen. In 2001 chemotherapy was given.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 50 - 69 >> Interview 07 >> Describes seeking out more information before deciding to have a mastectomy.

Diagnosed with breast cancer 1998, Ductal Carcinoma in-situ. Underwent a lumpectomy and Radiotherapy. In 2000 found 2 malignant lumps and had a mastectomy, radiotherapy and Tamoxifen. In 2001 chemotherapy was given.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 50 - 69 >> Interview 09 >> Describes her experience of choosing a prosthesis and her surprise at the quality.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. Underwent a mastectomy and was given chemotherapy and Tamoxifen.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 50 - 69 >> Interview 07 >> Explains that losing her breast was not a great worry for her but appreciates that it might be for younger women.

Diagnosed with breast cancer 1998, Ductal Carcinoma in-situ. Underwent a lumpectomy and Radiotherapy. In 2000 found 2 malignant lumps and had a mastectomy, radiotherapy and Tamoxifen. In 2001 chemotherapy was given.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 50 - 69 >> Interview 09 >> Explains her decision to opt for a mastectomy rather than a lumpectomy.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. Underwent a mastectomy and was given chemotherapy and Tamoxifen.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Women 30 - 49 >> Interview 13 >> Describes the shock she felt about having a mastectomy.

Diagnosed with breast cancer 1999. Underwent a mastectomy and was given chemotherapy, radiotherapy and Arimidex.

• Cancer >> Breast Cancer in women >> Mastectomy >> Mastectomy

 

Mastectomy