Here at The Primrose Foundation, we talk a lot about breast cancer and breast cancer-related stories, we write about coping with the changes to your body, life after breast cancer surgery, and a wide range of topics relating to the recovery process however we are also aware that not all breast surgeries are because of cancer.

Breast surgery of any kind is intense, invasive, and affects you both physically and mentally, regardless of the cancer element therefore the recovery and healing time is just as it is if you were diagnosed with breast cancer.

Therefore, as your local ‘breast care’ charity, we want to talk about RISK REDUCING SURGERY.

Whether you carry the BRCA* gene, have a high level of breast or ovarian cancer in your family, or any other high-risk gene associated with breast cancer you may be given the option to have risk-reducing surgery. The decision to have this surgery is major and requires a great deal of time and thought.

You will need time to explore your feelings about having risk-reducing breast surgery, and even if you have already decided to have the operation, you may have some difficult feelings afterwards - Taking time to think about how you feel can help you manage and prepare for the road ahead.

If you have a partner, friend, or family member you can talk to about your feelings, worries, or concerns then do so. If, however, you find it difficult to talk about how you feel then please speak to your Breast Nurse or if required your Clinical psychologist.

Most women will feel relieved when the surgery is over, saying, having risk-reducing breast surgery has reduced their anxiety about developing breast cancer, however it may take some time to get used to the new you. If for instance you were offered a mastectomy the likelihood is that reconstruction may have been offered too.

Whether you opted for reconstruction or not, you have undergone a huge transformation and one that requires sufficient healing time.

It may take time to get used to your new appearance, again it is normal to have some concerns about how you think and feel about your body therefore as a final reminder can we please encourage you to seek help and advice from a Breast Nurse and or a Clinical psychologist should you require any additional support.