"I think the recurrence rate has more to do with the types of surgery (lumpectomy vs mastectomy) than any other factor. My surgeon has quoted statistics by saying that lumpectomy + radiation = mastectomy. I personally never bought that..."
Actual science supporting lumpectomy + radiation = mastectomy IS true.
http://www.rsny.org/200_PDFs/GSL-A-N...ER-MASTECT.pdf