Most breast surgeons who do this type of surgery will see you at least twice before you have to make a decision, to answer your questions and discuss any anxieties. You may also be able to see photographs of women who have already been operated on by your surgeon, or to speak to someone who has had surgery.

You will also have the support of a clinical nurse specialist and a counsellor or psychologist associated with the breast clinic. They can give you further information and support to help you to make an informed decision.

It might be useful to write down a list of questions to ask the breast surgeon before you decide what to do. Here are some suggestions:

• What type of surgery would be more suitable for me and why?
• What are the possible complications/risks of the surgery?
• Where will the cuts be made and what might the scars look like?
• How long will it take for me to get over the operation?
• If I decide to have risk-reducing mastectomy, what is the best age to have it done?
• If I decide to have surgery, how long would I have to wait to have it done?
• Could I talk to someone who has already had a risk-reducing mastectomy?
• Can I talk to somebody about the possible emotional effects of having a risk-reducing mastectomy?
• If I decide not to have breast reconstruction, how can I best achieve my natural shape after surgery?
• What type of support will be available to me after the operation? (This is just as important as support offered before the operation.)

If you are thinking about breast reconstruction, you may want to ask further questions:

• If I decide to have breast reconstruction, when would you advise me to have it done?
• What type of breast reconstruction would you advise me to have?
• Can you tell me about the options for nipple reconstruction?