National Cancer Institute National Cancer Institute
U.S. National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute
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Surgery Choices for Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer
    Posted: 10/22/2004
Step 4: Compare Your Choices

12. What are the chances that my cancer will come back after surgery?

Breast-Sparing Surgery Mastectomy Surgery Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Surgery
About 10% (1 out of every 10) of women who have breast-sparing surgery along with radiation therapy get cancer in the same breast within 12 years. If this happens, you will need a mastectomy, but it will not affect how long you live. About 5% (1 out of every 20) of women who have a mastectomy will get cancer on the same side of their chest within 12 years. About 5% (1 out of every 20) of women who have a mastectomy will get cancer on the same side of their chest within 12 years. Breast reconstruction surgery does not affect the chances of your cancer coming back.

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1http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/breast-cancer-surgery-choices/page5