8 things your breast cancer surgeon wishes you knew

By the end of 2024, it's estimated that almost 311,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, a number that continues to increase each year. Over 42,000 women are expected to die of the disease, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Although this number may seem high, it’s much lower than in the past. And even though both awareness and survival rates are improving, misconceptions still exist about this increasingly treatable condition.

"There's a lot of hope for you," says Renee Quarterman, MD, FACS, a breast surgeon with Delaware Breast Care in Wilmington, Delaware. "There's a lot of hope for all patients with breast cancer." Find out the truth behind popular breast cancer myths, along with what Dr. Quarterman wishes everyone knew about the condition.