Why do women with early breast cancer in Northern Sri Lanka undergo mastectomy? Decision-making and ways forward.

Background: Despite robust evidence confirming equivalent survival rates and better cosmetic outcomes with breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and radiotherapy compared to mastectomy, the rates of mastectomy among women with early breast cancer have not declined significantly in Sri Lanka. This study explores views on the surgical treatment of breast cancer among Northern Sri Lankan women who were eligible for BCS but underwent mastectomy.

Methods: An exploratory descriptive qualitative study was carried out among 15 women who underwent mastectomy for early breast cancer.