A mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both breasts, usually to treat or prevent breast cancer.

Risks include mild discomfort, potential infection, and, rarely, injury to the ureter or bladder.

Hospice care is a type of care designed to provide comfort and support to patients with terminal illnesses, focusing on quality of life rather than curative treatments.

Patients diagnosed with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less, as determined by a physician, are eligible for hospice care.

Hospice care services include pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, assistance with daily activities, and support for family members.

While both hospice and palliative care focus on comfort and quality of life, hospice care is specifically for patients nearing the end of life, whereas palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness.

The hospice care team typically includes doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, home health aides, and trained volunteers.