109: Cryoablation, Patient Choice, and the Future of Breast Cancer with Dr. Hania Bednarski

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons welcomes Dr. Hania Bednarski, a breast surgeon pioneering cryoablation as an alternative to conventional breast cancer surgery.For decades, breast cancer treatment has changed little—yet Dr. Bednarski is forging a new path, reducing trauma while preserving women’s wholeness. She shares her journey from trauma and hand surgery into breast care, and ultimately into cryoablation. Together, she and Dr. Jenn explore why this approach matters, how it’s performed, and what it means for the future of breast cancer care.The conversation challenges assumptions about mammograms, chemotherapy, lymph node surgery, and hormones. Both physicians stress the importance of autonomy, personalized treatment, and a future where patient choice—not rigid protocols—guides care.This episode is essential for women navigating breast health, practitioners curious about new frontiers, and anyone passionate about transforming medicine from invasive to empowering.In This Episode, You Will Learn:How Dr. Bednarski’s career led her to cryoablationWhy conventional surgery can cause lasting traumaWhat cryoablation is, how it works, and who it helpsWhy informed consent and patient choice matterThe pitfalls of mammograms and over-diagnosisHow cryoablation may engage the immune systemWhy lymph node surgery is diagnostic—not curativeThe truth about estrogen and breast cancer riskHow financial incentives block innovation💬 If this episode resonates, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.Episode Timeline Highlights:00:00 Intro & why treatment hasn’t changed 02:30 Dr. Bednarski’s early career & pivot to breast surgery 07:40 Learning from the patient perspective 12:00 Training, conferences, and discovering cryoablation 18:20 From benign tumors to cancer treatment 22:45 Expanding cryoablation to more patients 25:00 Why chemo and radiation aren’t always needed 27:50 Rethinking screening and autonomy 36:00 The challenge of DCIS and over-diagnosis 45:15 Who qualifies—and who doesn’t—for cryo 50:00 Stage 4 disease, the immune system, and the abscopal effect 56:45 Estrogen, hormones, and cancer myths 59:00 Why many physicians resist cryo 01:00:54 Trials, FDA approval, and barriers to adoption 01:05:10 The role of surgeon societies & politics 01:12:16 Imaging, MRI vs QT, and cryo follow-up 01:16:54 The emotional impact of preserving the breast 01:19:16 How to find Dr. Bednarski and Serenity Surgery & WellnessTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideConnect with Dr. Jenn:Website:  https://www.perfeqtionimaging.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons