BCS or mastectomy – Decision-making
In patients with breast cancer who are undergoing breast surgery, offer the choice of either breast-conserving surgery (if technically possible) followed by radiation therapy, or a mastectomy.
Women with invasive breast cancer who are undergoing breast surgery should be offered the choice of breast conserving surgery and radiotherapy or mastectomy
At least one meta-analysis, systematic review, or RCT rated as 1++, and directly applicable to the target population; or A body of evidence consisting principally of studies rated a 1+, directly applicable to the target population, and demonstrating overall consistency of results
Appropriate to offer a choice of either breast conserving surgery followed by radiotherapy or a mastectomy, to patients diagnosed with early breast cancer, as these treatments are equally effective in terms of survival
How this guidance was developed
This recommendation was adapted from the NCCP 2015 guidelines (Ireland). The source recommendation was based on a systematic review of the evidence conducted to September 2014 and was graded 'A' (using SIGN methods) by the source guideline authors. The source recommendation was adapted by expanding the patient population from ‘women’ to ‘all patients’. In addition, "if technically possible” was added to account for instances where breast-conserving surgery may not be possible, such as a large tumour in a small breast.
This recommendation aligns with the 2017 Cancer Australia Statement – Influencing best practice in breast cancer: Practice 4.
BCS or mastectomy – Decision-making
In patients with breast cancer who are undergoing breast surgery, offer the choice of either breast-conserving surgery (if technically possible) followed by radiation therapy, or a mastectomy.
This recommendation was adapted from the NCCP 2015 guidelines (Ireland). The source recommendation was based on a systematic review of the evidence conducted to September 2014 and was graded 'A' (using SIGN methods) by the source guideline authors. The source recommendation was adapted by expanding the patient population from ‘women’ to ‘all patients’. In addition, "if technically possible” was added to account for instances where breast-conserving surgery may not be possible, such as a large tumour in a small breast.
This recommendation aligns with the 2017 Cancer Australia Statement – Influencing best practice in breast cancer: Practice 4.