After a breast cancer diagnosis, what happens first—seeing an oncologist, having surgery or starting chemotherapy? And how do doctors decide between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy?

In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Johanna Gomez sits down with Dr. Mehran Habibi, Deputy Chief of Breast Surgery with Baptist Health Cancer Care, to answer common questions patients search online about breast cancer surgery and treatment.

They discuss:

•  The difference between a medical oncologist and a surgical oncologist 
•  Who patients typically see first after a breast cancer diagnosis 
•  How doctors decide whether chemotherapy or surgery comes first 
•  Why chemo first does not automatically mean the cancer is more aggressive 
•  Whether chemotherapy can be shortened when a tumor responds well 
•  Why second opinions and breast cancer specialists can matter 
•  The truth about the myth that surgery or biopsy can make breast cancer spread 
•  Why treatment may still be needed after a tumor is removed 
•  How doctors and patients choose between lumpectomy and mastectomy 
•  Why feeling fine is not a reason to delay recommended treatment 
•  How lymph node involvement affects staging and treatment 
•  Options for immediate or delayed breast reconstruction 
•  How AI is beginning to support breast imaging, surgical planning and treatment decisions 

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Host:
Johanna Gomez
Award-Winning Host & Journalist

Guest:
Mehran Habibi, M.D.
Deputy Chief of Breast Surgery 
Baptist Health Cancer Care

If you found this episode helpful, we recommend these links for additional information:

Diagnosed With Breast Cancer: What's Next?

Breast Cancer in Young Women: Signs, Screenings, and When to Speak

Life After Breast Cancer: Fear, Healing, and Hope