Patient outcomes and experiences of going flat

Some patients with early-stage breast cancer or those considering risk-reducing surgery may choose mastectomy without reconstruction. This is often referred to as “going flat.” The results of this study suggest that surgeons play a significant role in supporting a patient’s decision to go flat. (3/23/2021)

Questions To Ask Your Health Care Provider

Is going flat an option for me?
What are the risks and benefits of going flat?
What are the risks and benefits of having breast reconstruction?
What are the risks and benefits of having breast-conserving surgery?
Am I a candidate for an aesthetic flat closure?
Are there resources that you can recommend if I choose to go flat?
If I go flat, are breast implants or other reconstructive procedures an option later in life?

Open Clinical Trials

The following studies are related to mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

NCT05720039: Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy With Immediate Implant-Based Reconstruction for Women With Early-Stage Breast Cancer. This study will compare robotic-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) to standard surgery NSM for women with early-stage breast cancer.
NCT02918474: Decision-Making Tool in Supporting Decision-Making in Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer. This trial studies the acceptability and usefulness of a tool that supports decision-making for contralateral prophylactic mastectomy in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer.
NCT05020574: Microbiome and Association With Implant Infections. This study is looking at whether people with high amounts of certain types of bacteria are more likely to develop tissue expander-related infections than those with lower amounts of bacteria.

FORCE is a national nonprofit organization, established in 1999. Our mission is to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by adult hereditary cancers.