In the past, choosing a breast surgeon and having the tumor removed were the very first steps in the treatment of breast cancer. Today, however, there are many steps that should occur prior to having a breast cancer removed-steps that . decrease the chance that the tumor comes back, . improve the chance that the right treatment is given, . decrease the complications from surgery, . more accurately determines if chemotherapy is needed. In addition, finding the right breast surgeon can improve one's chance of survival by as much as 35 percent, a benefit frequently larger than either radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Before Breast Cancer Surgery is a focused easy-to-read book written in a question/answer format to rapidly arm the reader with all the information she needs to ensure that she receives the best possible care.