Table 2 What women knew about the surgical options before mastectomy

P04

I was aware that we could either remove the lump or the whole breast, even before I met the doctor. I don’t have knowledge about the outcomes of mastectomy. But I know that in some people they may remove tissue from the arm and this may result in hand swelling.

P07

I have heard of people having the lump removed while conserving the breast. My aunt also had her whole breast removed due to cancer.

P09

As soon as I found out that the lump I had was cancer, I talked to friends. Through them, I got to know that it was possible to remove only the lump.

P13

… I knew about BCS^a through the internet even before the doctors spoke to me regarding the surgical options…

P03

I thought removing the whole breast was the standard treatment.

P05

I know of [BCS] only after I came here and met others who have done it.