GoodRx HealthA Surgeon to Patients: Stop Believing These 5 Breast Cancer Surgery Myths

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In this comprehensive Patient Resource Center, surgical breast oncologist Dr. Jaime Alberty-Oller addresses five persistent myths about breast cancer surgery that can impact patient decision-making and treatment outcomes. The article and corresponding videos clarify misconceptions about surgical approaches, post-operative complications, and long-term surveillance, providing evidence-based responses to common patient concerns about breast cancer treatment.

Key Points:

• Surgical biopsies and breast cancer surgery do not cause cancer spread – multiple studies confirm that biopsies do not seed or mobilize cancer cells within the breast
• High-risk status alone does not mandate mastectomy – patients can safely undergo lumpectomies unless specific factors (such as BRCA mutations) indicate otherwise
• Titanium marking clips (2-3mm) placed during image-guided biopsies remain safely in place if no surgery is needed and support post-treatment monitoring
• Lymphedema, while a recognized complication of lymph node surgery, occurs less frequently with sentinel lymph node biopsy compared to axillary lymph node dissection
• Post-mastectomy recurrence rates, though lower than lumpectomy, are not zero – continued medical surveillance remains essential

HCN Medical Memo
Evidence-based patient education about breast cancer surgery remains crucial for optimal treatment decisions. Physicians should proactively address common misconceptions during treatment planning discussions.

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