Keeping Abreast with Dr. Jenn

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


Listen Later

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 cryoablation
  • Why conventional surgery can cause lasting trauma
  • What cryoablation is, how it works, and who it helps
  • Why informed consent and patient choice matter
  • The pitfalls of mammograms and over-diagnosis
  • How cryoablation may engage the immune system
  • Why lymph node surgery is diagnostic—not curative
  • The truth about estrogen and breast cancer risk
  • How 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 & Wellness

To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with RHMD, visit:
https://jennsimmons.simplero.com/page/377266?kuid=327aca17-5135-44cf-9210-c0b77a56e26d&kref=vOKy0sAiorrK

To get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuide

To purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.

Connect with Dr. Jenn:
Website: https://www.realhealthmd.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Keeping Abreast with Dr. JennBy Dr. Jenn Simmons

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

95 ratings


More shows like Keeping Abreast with Dr. Jenn

View all
The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca by Dr. Anna Cabeca OB/GYN

The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

30 Listeners

Well Beyond 40 by JJ Virgin

Well Beyond 40

1,099 Listeners

Myers Detox Podcast by Dr. Wendy Myers

Myers Detox Podcast

385 Listeners

Chris Beat Cancer: Heal With Nutrition & Natural Therapies by Chris Wark

Chris Beat Cancer: Heal With Nutrition & Natural Therapies

708 Listeners

Energized with Dr. Mariza by Dr. Mariza Snyder

Energized with Dr. Mariza

995 Listeners

Dhru Purohit Show by Dhru Purohit

Dhru Purohit Show

3,555 Listeners

The Dr. Hyman Show by Dr. Mark Hyman

The Dr. Hyman Show

9,296 Listeners

Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Health, and Science for Women 35+ by Everyday Wellness™

Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Health, and Science for Women 35+

1,223 Listeners

The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel by Karen Martel Hormone Specialist

The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel

337 Listeners

Ancient Health Podcast by Ancient Health Podcast

Ancient Health Podcast

68 Listeners

Dr. Jockers Functional Nutrition by Dr. Jockers

Dr. Jockers Functional Nutrition

795 Listeners

The Thyroid Fixer by Dr. Amie Hornaman

The Thyroid Fixer

516 Listeners

The Dr. Tyna Show by Dr. Tyna Moore

The Dr. Tyna Show

1,660 Listeners

The Dr. Josh Axe Show by Dr. Josh Axe

The Dr. Josh Axe Show

1,231 Listeners

Metabolic Matters by Dr. Nasha Winters

Metabolic Matters

42 Listeners