Learn about radiation therapy, how it’s used to treat breast cancer, and what to expect during treatment.
List Contents
- 1 Learn about radiation therapy, how it’s used to treat breast cancer, and what to expect during treatment.
- 2 How does radiation therapy work?
- 3 When is radiation therapy used for breast cancer?
- 4 What are the side effects of radiation therapy?
- 5 How is radiation therapy administered?
- 6 Who is a good candidate for radiation therapy?
- 7 FAQs
Radiation therapy is a common treatment option for breast cancer. It involves using high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy.
How does radiation therapy work?
Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA inside cancer cells. This damage prevents the cells from growing and dividing, which leads to their death. Radiation can be delivered externally, using a machine called a linear accelerator, or internally, using radioactive implants placed directly in the breast tissue.
When is radiation therapy used for breast cancer?
Radiation therapy may be used after surgery to remove the tumor, to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. It may also be used before surgery to shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove. In some cases, radiation therapy may be used as the primary treatment for breast cancer, especially for patients who cannot undergo surgery.
What are the side effects of radiation therapy?
The side effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer can vary from person to person. Common side effects include fatigue, skin irritation or redness, and breast swelling or tenderness. These side effects typically go away within a few weeks after treatment is complete. In rare cases, radiation therapy may cause long-term side effects, such as damage to the heart or lungs.
How is radiation therapy administered?
External radiation therapy is usually given five days a week for several weeks. Each treatment session lasts only a few minutes, and the patient does not need to stay in the hospital overnight. Internal radiation therapy, also known as brachytherapy, may be administered over the course of a few days, using radioactive implants placed directly in the breast tissue.
Who is a good candidate for radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy may be a good option for patients with early-stage breast cancer, as well as those with more advanced cancer who have undergone surgery to remove the tumor. It may also be recommended for patients with breast cancer that has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
In conclusion, radiation therapy is an effective treatment option for breast cancer that can be used alone or in combination with other treatments. While it may cause some side effects, most patients tolerate it well, and the benefits often outweigh the risks. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, talk to your doctor about whether radiation therapy may be a good option for you.
FAQs
- Is radiation therapy painful? A: No, radiation therapy is not painful, but some patients may experience side effects such as skin irritation or fatigue.
- Will I lose my hair during radiation therapy for breast cancer? A: No, radiation therapy for breast cancer does not typically cause hair loss.
- How long does radiation therapy for breast cancer take? A: External radiation therapy is usually given five days a week for several weeks, while internal radiation therapy may be administered over the course of a few days.
- Can radiation therapy cure breast cancer? A: Radiation therapy can help to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors, but it may not cure breast cancer on its own. It is often used in combination with other treatments.
- What should I expect during radiation therapy for breast cancer? A: During radiation therapy, you will lie on a table while a machine delivers high-energy radiation to the affected area. You will not feel anything during the treatment.
