Myth No. 7: Mastectomy is more effective than lumpectomy with radiation.
For women with breast cancer at one site, with a tumor smaller than 4 centimeters, and with clean margins achieved during the surgery, lumpectomy with radiation has been proven to be as effective as mastectomy.
Myth No. 8: Removing your lymph nodes will make your arm swollen forever.
Lymph node surgery can lead to discomfort, numbness and swelling, which is called lymphedema. However, proper care of the arm and physical therapy usually prevents it.
Myth No. 9: Using deodorant causes breast cancer.
There’s no evidence that antiperspirants influence your risk of breast cancer.
Myth No. 10: Surgery releases cancer cells into the air and makes it spread.
Cancer that has spread to other parts of the body can be silent for a long time before it is discovered. The surgery doesn’t cause it to spread.
The First 48 Hours | Questions for Your Doctor | Breaking the News to Your Children | Telling Your Friends and Co-Workers | Ten Common Myths
