For women with excessively large or heavy breasts (macromastia), symptoms like back, neck and shoulder pain can be a daily reality. It’s not just uncomfortable—it can cause skin irritation, strain posture, and lead to self-consciousness or even embarrassment [1].

If they’re diagnosed with breast cancer and need surgery, some women choose to have a breast reduction or lift at the same time. This can help reduce discomfort and improve how their breasts look and feel.

While a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, surgery can also be a chance not just to treat the disease, but to improve their overall comfort, confidence, and quality of life.

What Affects Your Surgical Options?

Each woman’s relationship with her body – and her journey through cancer – is deeply personal. That’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all approach – only what feels right for you.

Studies show that fears of cancer returning and concerns about body image and sexuality can also play a big role in these decisions [4] [5]. Many women worry about losing their breasts or how their body may change, which can bring feelings of grief, shame, embarrassment and low self-esteem [6].

The decisions you make should support both your medical needs and emotional well-being. Ultimately, the goal of breast cancer surgery is to remove the tumour while maintaining a satisfying post-operative appearance.

Combining Cancer Surgery with Macromastia Relief

Fortunately, for women living with large or sagging (ptotic) breasts, procedures like breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) or breast lift (mastopexy) can be safely combined with cancer surgery [1] [7] – offering both medical treatment and meaningful relief. Do note that this is subject to eligibility and surgeon recommendation.

Reduction mammoplasty removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin, creating a breast appearance that’s more balanced with the rest of the body [1]. Mastopexy lifts, reshapes and tightens the breasts for a more youthful appearance [8].

While these may seem like cosmetic procedures on the surface, they can carry deeper meaning. For many women, addressing both breast cancer and macromastia in a single session can bring lasting physical relief and emotional healing, with positive outcomes well into recovery [1] [9].

Breast reduction can improve physical function, alleviate pain, reduce skin complications and enhance their body image and mental health [1]. The breast lift can help restore confidence, offer a renewed sense of control and help women feel whole again [7].

For women navigating breast cancer alongside macromastia, combining surgery can be a powerful way to reclaim comfort, health and self-confidence – all in one procedure.

“But no matter what treatment path you take, always remember:

You are brave. You are bold. You are beautiful.

And you are making the choices that are right for you.”

Care That Sees the Whole You

At Solis, care doesn’t end in the operating theatre. The experienced and dedicated breast surgeons understand that healing is both physical and emotional, supporting each woman through her unique journey.

Specialising in advanced surgical techniques such as oncoplastic surgery – a method that combines cancer removal with plastic surgery techniques to reshape the breast – they collaborate closely with Luma Women’s Medical Centre, where an in-house pathologist examines surgical specimens in real time to ensure complete cancer removal and reduce the need for a second surgery.

This integrated approach allows for compassionate and reassuring breast care that respects your body, your choices and your well-being every step of the way.

If you’re exploring your options, we’re here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation or speak with our team about how we can support your journey.

Article contributed and reviewed by Dr Lim Sue Zann, Senior Consultant & Breast Surgeon at Solis Breast Care & Surgery Centre.

References:

[1] National Library of Medicine, Breast Reduction

[2] Decision-Making in the Surgical Treatment of Breast Cancer: Factors Influencing Women’s Choices for Mastectomy and Breast Conserving Surgery

[3] Cancer Research UK, Types of Breast Cancer Surgery

[4] The Emotional Status, Attitudes in Decision-Making Process, and Their Impact on Surgical Choices in Korean Breast Cancer Patients

[5] Factors influencing surgical treatment decisions for breast cancer: a qualitative exploration of surgeon and patient perspectives

[6] Decision-making process for breast-conserving therapy from the perspective of women with breast cancer: A grounded theory study

[7] Mayo Clinic, Breast Lift

[8] Aesthetic breast surgery: putting in context—a narrative review

[9] Oncoplastic reduction mammoplasty for breast cancer in women with macromastia: long term aesthetic, functional and satisfaction outcomes