5 Common Misconceptions about Breast Cancer Treatment
Getting diagnosed with breast cancer can be one of the scariest moments in a woman's life. Although breast cancer is a very serious disease, there have been a lot of advances in treatments over the years. As such, survival rates continue to rise. However, there is a lot of misinformation about treatment for this type of cancer.
Here are a few common misconceptions about breast cancer treatment.
It Is Critical to Begin Treatment Right Away
When you are diagnosed with something as serious as breast cancer, you might assume that you should begin treatment as soon as possible. However, breast cancer typically grows slowly. Therefore, you have time to get a second opinion from another doctor about your options.
You Must Get a Full Mastectomy
The type of treatment you will receive for breast cancer depends on the size of your tumor. If the tumor in your breast is pretty large, a full mastectomy may be necessary. However, if the tumor is smaller, your doctor may suggest other treatment methods, like a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, or radiation.
Chemotherapy and Radiation Are not Worth the Side Effects
Chemotherapy and radiation are frequently used to treat breast cancer. They also come with several side effects, such as nausea, hair loss, and skin changes. However, chemotherapy and radiation may be able to save your life, so they are well worth it.
Your doctor can suggest different ways to cope with these side effects, such as eating bland foods and getting regular exercise.
A Biopsy Can Cause Breast Cancer to Spread
If your doctor has reason to believe that you may have breast cancer, he or she may want to perform a biopsy. However, some women are nervous about getting a biopsy because they think it will make the cancer spread throughout their bodies. Fortunately, this is a myth.
Breast Reconstruction and a Mastectomy Can't Occur on the Same Day
Many women opt to undergo breast reconstruction after they have had a mastectomy. Years ago, these two surgeries were not performed on the same day. However, time and technologies have changed. Surgeons are now able to perform these procedures in just one day.
Now you know about the different myths about breast cancer treatment. If you have breast cancer, it is time to talk about your treatment options with your doctor. He or she will thoroughly explain what each treatment entails and help you select the right one.
To learn more about Breast Cancer Treatment Services, contact a professional near you.
