Objective: To compare the impacts between breast-conserving surgery and modified radical treatment on clinical efficacy and quality of life in patients with early breast cancer. Methods: The clinical data of 95 patients with early breast cancer undergoing breast-conserving therapy (breast-conserving group) between July 2004 and July 2007 were analyzed, and were compared with those of 95 matched patients over the same period undergoing modified radical mastectomy (modified radical group). Results: There were no significant differences between the two group in recurrence, metastasis and survival rate (all P>0.05). The rate of aesthetically excellent breast shape in breast-conserving group and modified radical group was 93.7% and 0, respectively (P<0.05). The quality-of-life score of the 5-year survival patients in breast-conserving group was significantly higher than that in modified radical group (83.66±3.70 vs. 73.07±4.85) (P<0.05). Conclusion: In early breast cancer patients, breast-conserving surgery can achieve the same therapeutic efficacy as modified radical mastectomy, and meanwhile significantly improve their quality of life. Strict observation of the indications, standardized surgical resection and individualized, comprehensive postoperative management are critical to success of breast-conserving treatment.