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7 MYTHS ABOUT
BREAST CANCER
by: Ed Hughes, MD, PhD
1. "There's nothing I can do to prevent cancer."
According to researchers at the Union for International Cancer Control, we can prevent 50% of all cancer deaths by simply doing what we already know to do. Lifestyle choices have the largest impact on chances of getting cancer. We need to stop smoking, lose weight, eat healthy and exercise.
2. "Breast Cancer does not run in the family so I can't get it. I don't need a mammogram."
Only 5-10% of all breast cancers are hereditary, most have no family history.
1 in 9 American Women will develop breast cancer.
3. "Hormone replacement therapy causes breast cancer."
To date there is no CONCLUSIVE study that proves this. Even the "Million Women Study" is flawed and inconclusive. We simply do not know. A woman and her physician need to discuss natural and balanced bio-identical hormone replacement.
4. "I have a better chance of survival if I have a mastectomy."
The overall survival rates of mastectomy vs. lumpectomy are EXACTLY the same.
This is conclusive in studies of over 20,000 women in over a dozen independent trials conducted over decades all over the world.
5. "If I have a lumpectomy, I won't need radiation. The surgeons told me that they got it all."
Lumpectomy + Radiation = 1-2% risk of recurrence
Microscopic cells can be left behind even with the best surgery. If untreated, these cells can grow into cancer again.
Radiation therapy reduces breast cancer death rates drastically.
6. "I need my whole breast area radiated."
Partial breast irradiation has the same excellent results as whole breast radiation after a lumpectomy. Often with fewer side effects and better cosmetic results.
7. "All radiation treatment is the same. It doesn't matter where I go or what treatment I have."
Absolutely not true!
Just like the skills of surgeons vary, so do the skills of a radiation oncologist and their team of experts. Dr. Hughes and Dr. Marger are the most experienced and skilled Board Certified Radiation Oncologists in Dayton.
In addition to skill level, technology is important. Especially when dealing with radiation.
The CyberKnife offers the most precise radiation delivery method available anywhere in the world today. We use this precise tool to treat breast cancer with excellent medical outcomes, beautiful cosmetic results and minor to no side effects. | 
