Busting Breast Cancer Myths

Dr. Danielle Bertoni, MD, MPH

Video Transcript

One of the biggest myths about breast cancer is that simply removing the breast will be the best treatment and will prevent it from coming back, improving survival. However, years of research show that this is not true. A lumpectomy with radiation is considered equally effective for treating breast cancer as a mastectomy. Even after a mastectomy, breast cancer can still return elsewhere in the body, as we can't remove 100% of the breast tissue. There is always a small amount left behind, and cancer can recur in that tissue. Another common misconception is that if you have a mastectomy, you won’t need chemotherapy. Unfortunately, this is also untrue. The decision to use chemotherapy depends on the type and aggressiveness of the cancer, not the type of surgery performed. Chemotherapy is used to prevent the cancer from coming back elsewhere in the body, regardless of the surgical choice. Additionally, some people believe that at a certain age, we should stop screening women for breast cancer. This is incorrect. If a woman is healthy and willing to undergo treatment for breast cancer—whether it's a pill, medicine, or small outpatient surgery—she should continue to get annual mammograms. I look forward to meeting you. Please visit us at basscancercenter.com to learn more about me and how to schedule a visit.