Radiation therapy (or radiotherapy) uses x-rays to kill breast cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often used in combination with lumpectomy for early breast cancer. It may be used to shrink the tumor before surgery, or eliminate any tumor cells that may remain after surgery. Other important facts about radiation therapy include:
- After lumpectomy, radiation is directed at the breast and an additional boost is given to the incisional site.
- After mastectomy, radiation therapy may be used depending on lymph node status.
- For metastatic disease, some patients may also receive radiation therapy to treat an area where the cancer has spread. For example, if the breast cancer has spread to the bones and is causing pain, radiation to the bone may lessen the bone pain.
- If surgery cannot be performed, radiation therapy may still be used.
How is radiation given?
There are two ways in which radiation can be given: external beam radiation and a type of internal radiation called brachytherapy.
- External beam radiation is the most common type of radiation used for the treatment of breast cancer. With external beam radiation, you are positioned under a machine that sends x-rays towards the tumor. The radiation lasts for only a few minutes at each session, and is usually given once daily for five days a week for up to six to eight weeks.
- Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy. During this treatment, your doctor temporarily places the source of radiation inside your breast where the tumor was removed. This source is a small implant that gives off radiation to a localized area of tissue.
What to expect with radiation therapy
Side effects will be different for every patient and may continue for several months after radiation treatment is over. Most side effects can be improved with medications and will usually lessen after treatment is completed. Make sure you tell your doctor if you experience any of these side effects:
- Skin redness. Your skin's reaction to radiation will be localized to the area of the x-ray beam and will be similar to a sunburn — with pinkness or redness, itching, burning, soreness, and possible peeling — although it will probably develop more slowly than a sunburn. If you develop blisters and if they become infected, your radiation oncologist may recommend taking a short break in treatment to allow for skin recovery. Radiation-induced skin irritation may worsen for about a week after treatment has ended but will then begin to improve.
- Fatigue. A feeling of overall exhaustion affects many patients who undergo radiation treatment. To counter or limit the effects of this treatment-induced fatigue, try to do some moderate daily exercise to energize the body. Rest when you need to during the day, and ask for help with chores that make you feel tired.
- Swelling and soreness. During radiation treatment your breast may feel swollen, sore, tender, or numb. These unpleasant sensations will gradually disappear over time, although in some cases they may not go away completely. You may also feel pain in the chest wall area, which will get better once treatment is over.
