Radiation therapy uses high levels of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing, dividing, or spreading to other body parts. Because it targets only the cancer cells, it causes less damage to nearby healthy cells. External beam radiation is most commonly used to treat breast cancer.
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How dangerous is radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy can harm normal tissue, so it’s carefully planned and precisely delivered. This helps ensure the radiation kills as many cancer cells as possible while doing as little injury as possible to other parts of your body. Radiation therapy is planned specifically for your breast cancer, the shape of your body and your internal anatomy. This is why sessions can’t be split …
What to expect when having radiation therapy?
Nov 05, 2021 · There are usually no immediate side effects from each radiation treatment given to the breast. Patients do not develop nausea or hair loss on the head from radiation therapy to the breast. Most patients develop mild fatigue that builds up gradually over the course of therapy. This slowly goes away one to two months following the radiation therapy.
What is the best kind of radiation for breast cancer?
Oct 01, 2021 · Scar tissue may also potentially form in the breast after radiation treatment, particularly in and around the surgical site. The breast may feel a little firmer or bumpier there. In a minority of women, scar-tissue formation from the combination of surgery and radiation can distort the shape of the breast.
What are the side effects of breast cancer radiation therapy?
Mar 29, 2021 · Radiation therapy uses carefully controlled, high-energy particles such as X-rays or protons to destroy or damage cancer cells. The radiation is painless and invisible and you will not be radioactive after your treatment. By precisely targeting the breast and lymph nodes, t he goal of radiation therapy is to stop the growth or spread of the breast cancer cells while minimising …
How long does it take to recover from radiation therapy for breast cancer?
It often takes 3 to 4 weeks for skin reactions to heal. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact your radiation oncologist or nurse.Jul 19, 2021
Is radiation for breast cancer painful?
The radiation treatment procedure is painless, but it may cause some skin discomfort over time. When treating early-stage breast cancer, radiation therapy is often given after surgery.Feb 2, 2022
What are the most common side effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer?
The main short-term side effects of external beam radiation therapy to the breast are:Swelling in the breast.Skin changes in the treated area similar to a sunburn (redness, skin peeling, darkening of the skin)Fatigue.
How do you feel after radiation treatment for breast cancer?
Side effects of radiotherapySkin reactions.Swelling of the breast.Pain in the breast or chest area.Hair loss in the armpit.Sore throat.Tiredness and fatigue.Lymphoedema.Change in breast shape, size and colour.More items...
What can I expect after my first radiation treatment?
The most common early side effects are fatigue (feeling tired) and skin changes. Other early side effects usually are related to the area being treated, such as hair loss and mouth problems when radiation treatment is given to this area. Late side effects can take months or even years to develop.Dec 10, 2020
What can you not do during radiation treatment?
Avoid raw vegetables and fruits, and other hard, dry foods such as chips or pretzels. It's also best to avoid salty, spicy or acidic foods if you are experiencing these symptoms. Your care team can recommend nutrient-based oral care solutions if you are experiencing mucositis or mouth sores caused by cancer treatment.Nov 8, 2021
How long will my breast hurt after radiation?
Your radiographer will give you creams to soothe the skin. The soreness usually goes away within 2 to 4 weeks of ending the treatment. Towards the end of the radiotherapy, the skin might break down. especially under the breast.
Does radiation for breast cancer make you tired?
Radiation can give you fatigue that gets worse over time (called cumulative fatigue). It usually lasts 3 to 4 weeks after your treatment stops, but it can continue for up to 3 months. Hormone therapy deprives the body of estrogen, and that can lead to fatigue that may last throughout your treatment or longer.Nov 17, 2019
Will I lose my hair with radiation for breast cancer?
Radiotherapy. Like chemotherapy, radiotherapy affects healthy cells as well as cancer cells so can cause hair loss, but only in the specific area being treated. This means that you will only lose hair from that area.
What is the most common acute side effect of radiation treatment?
Fatigue is the most common acute side effect of radiation therapy. It is believed to be caused by the large amount of energy that is used by the body to heal itself in response to radiation therapy. Most people begin to feel fatigued about 2 weeks after radiation treatments begin.Apr 7, 2022
Does radiation on left breast affect the heart?
Potential damage to the heart is influenced by the area of the chest where the tumour is located i.e. radiation targeted to the left breast increases the risk of damage to the heart.
Can you drive after radiation treatment?
Will I be able to drive after my radiotherapy treatment? Almost all patients are able to drive while receiving radiotherapy treatment. However, with some types of cancer, driving may NOT be recommended due to fatigue or strong pain medication.
What is radiation therapy for breast cancer?
Radiation therapy is planned specifically for your breast cancer, the shape of your body and your internal anatomy. This is why sessions can’t be split between different treatment centers. Your treatment plan is based on: The tumor size, type and location. The number of lymph nodes with cancer. The type of breast surgery (and lymph node surgery) ...
How long does it take to get a breast irradiated after a lumpectomy?
Partial breast irradiation delivers radiation only to the area around the tumor bed (the space where the tumor was removed during lumpectomy). It’s typically done in a shortened course over only 5-10 days.
What is hypofractionated breast irradiation?
This is called hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation. It’s like standard whole-breast radiation therapy except it uses a slightly higher dose of radiation per session (hypofractionation). This reduces the number of treatment sessions, making the overall course shorter. For most women with early breast cancer, ...
How to contact Komen for breast cancer?
Transportation, lodging, child care and elder care assistance 1 If you or a loved one needs more information about breast health or breast cancer, call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636). All calls are answered by a trained specialist or oncology social worker in English and Spanish, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET. You can also email the helpline at [email protected]. 2 We offer an online support community through our closed Facebook Group – Komen Breast Cancer group. The Facebook group provides a place where those with a connection to breast cancer can discuss each other’s experiences and build strong relationships to provide support to each other. Visit Facebook and search for “Komen Breast Cancer group” to request to join the closed group. 3 Our fact sheets, booklets and other education materials offer additional information.
What is a boost breast?
After radiation therapy to the whole breast, you may have more radiation (called a boost) to the part of the breast that had the tumor. This boost increases the amount of radiation given to the area at highest risk for breast cancer recurrence. Your boost radiation session is similar to a regular session.
What is brachytherapy in cancer?
Brachytherapy uses targeted radiation placed inside the tumor bed. Implanted radiation “seeds” (interstitial radiation therapy) or a single small balloon device (intracavitary radiation therapy) can be used to deliver the radiation. External beam radiation therapy uses standard external beam radiation therapy, but only targets the tumor bed.
What is the purpose of CT scan for radiation oncology?
They will use a CT scan to guide the radiation planning. During the planning session, your radiation oncologist will put small marks (about the size of a pinhead) on your skin.
Other Ways Of Giving Radiotherapy
Intraoperative radiotherapy uses low-energy x-rays given from a machine in the operating theatre during breast-conserving surgery.;
How Do I Take Hormonal Therapy
All the hormonal therapy medicines EXCEPT Faslodex and Soltamox are pills that are taken once a day. Most doctors recommend taking hormonal therapy at the same time each day so you remember to take the medication. Hormonal therapy medicines can be taken with or without food.
What To Expect With Internal Radiation
Before you get any internal radiation, youll meet with your radiation oncologist. They will:
What Are The Advantages Of Hypofractionation
The major advantage is convenience because patients can receive the full course of radiation treatment in fewer sessions. With both conventional and hypofractionated radiation, the patient receives radiation five days a week.
Your Role On Your Radiation Therapy Team
Youll have a team of healthcare providers working together to care for you. Youre part of that team, and your role includes:
What Are Potential Side Effects Of Hypofractionation
As with any form of radiation therapy, a common side effect of hypofractionation is some degree of skin irritation, much like a sunburn. Usually, skin irritation flares up during treatment; sometimes, it arises after.
What Can I Expect If I Am Receiving External Beam Radiation Therapy
External beam radiation treatment for cancer is typically administered every day, Monday through Friday, for five to eight weeks. About two weeks after your first radiation therapy appointment when you have the simulation scan, youll begin your treatments.
How does radiation therapy work?
Radiation therapy uses carefully controlled, high-energy particles such as X-rays or protons to destroy or damage cancer cells. The radiation is painless and invisible and you will not be radioactive after your treatment.
What type of radiation therapy is used for breast cancer?
The most common type of radiation therapy for breast cancer is external beam radiation. This uses high-energy radiation beams delivered by a linear accelerator (or LINAC) machine to deliver radiation from outside your body to destroy cancer cells in the breast.
What happens before radiation therapy begins?
Before treatment starts, your radiation oncologist will review your health record, talk about your general health and diagnosis, and explain the treatment process, options, and potential side effects.
What happens at a first radiation therapy appointment?
You will be positioned on the treatment bed in the same position as your CT scan. The treatment machine delivers your radiation treatment from several different angles. The skin markings and individual treatment plan are used to deliver the prescribed treatment.
What happens after I finish my radiation therapy treatment course?
Once your treatment course is completed, you will have a follow-up appointment with your radiation oncologist. This is often 1–3 months after completing your therapy, and you and your doctor will monitor your progress, assess any late side effects, and check to see how you responded to treatment.
What is Breast Cancer?
Cancer is a disease wherein the cells lose regulations in cell division and continuously replicate. This uncontrolled growth and division of cells form a mass which is known as a tumor. Breast cancer occurs when these abnormal cells are found in the breast. The most common cells affected are the lining of the milk ducts.
Breast Cancer Symptoms
Changes in how the breasts look and feel are important in identifying breast cancer. These changes could look like this:
Treatment for Breast Cancer
There are many options to treat breast cancer, depending on the type and severity of the cancer. As some forms of breast cancer are very aggressive and invasive, treatment usually consists of combining different treatment options. These include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy.
What is Radiation?
Radiation is energy produced and released from electromagnetic waves or subatomic particles. Radiation therapy works by preventing cancer cells from dividing and multiplying. It exposes cells to high-energy rays, which can either directly kill the cells or result in genetic changes that can cause cell death.
Why is Radiation Used to Help Treat Breast Cancer?
Radiation therapy is an important addition to the treatment of breast cancer. After surgery, it decreases the rate of cancer recurrence, the chance of complications and death, and improves patients' chances of survival. It is also a good treatment option as breast-conserving therapy.
What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Radiation?
Radiation therapy is beneficial to patients with breast cancer. It is non-invasive and preserves the structure of the breast. However, every treatment has its side effects. Side effects of radiation vary, and some may be immediately evident while others take time to manifest.
How to Manage the Side Effects of Radiation
Despite radiation therapy having side effects, there are ways by which we can alleviate them. Some are simple remedies, while others may need the evaluation and help of a doctor. For breast soreness or pain, common pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be helpful.
External Beam Radiation Therapy Treatments
When you undergo external beam radiation therapy treatment, each session is painless, just like getting an X-ray. The radiation is directed at your tumor from a machine located away from your body, usually a linear accelerator. External beam radiation is noninvasive.
Weekly Checkups
During radiation therapy, your radiation oncologist and nurse will see you regularly to follow your progress, evaluate whether you are having any side effects, recommend treatments for those side effects (such as medication) and address any concerns you may have.
Quality Assurance During Treatment
During your course of treatment, correct positions of the treatment beams will be regularly verified with images made using the treatment beam itself. These images (called port films, beam films or portal verification) represent an important quality assurance check but do not evaluate the tumor itself.
What to expect when getting radiation therapy?
What to Expect When Having Radiation Therapy. It is normal to feel worried or overwhelmed when you learn that you will need radiation therapy. However, learning more about this type of cancer treatment may help you feel more prepared and comfortable.
How long does radiation therapy last?
It is the most common radiation therapy treatment for cancer. Each session is quick, lasting about 15 minutes. Radiation does not hurt, sting, or burn when it enters the body.
What type of doctor is responsible for radiation therapy?
Radiation oncologist. This type of doctor specializes in giving radiation therapy to treat cancer. A radiation oncologist oversees radiation therapy treatments. They work closely with other team members to develop the treatment plan. Radiation oncology nurse.
What is simulation in radiation therapy?
Simulating and planning treatment. Your first radiation therapy session is a simulation. This means it is a practice run without giving radiation therapy. Your team will use imaging scans to identify the tumor location.
Why is it important to be in the same position for radiation?
It is important for your body to be in the same position for each treatment. Your radiation oncology team cares about your comfort. Talk with the team to find a comfortable position that you can be in every time you come in for radiation therapy.
How often should you check for radiation?
During your treatment, your radiation oncologist will check how well it is working. Typically, this will happen at least once a week. If needed, they may adjust your treatment plan.
What is informed consent for radiation?
Giving permission for radiation therapy. If you choose to receive radiation therapy, your health care team will ask you to sign an "informed consent" form. Signing the document means: Your team gave you information about your treatment options. You choose to have radiation therapy.
What type of radiation is used for breast cancer?
Two common types of radiation treatment for breast cancer are external beam radiation and internal beam radiation , also known as brachytherapy, which typically has fewer side effects. The type of radiation that’s best suited for you depends on: Talk with your doctor about your treatment options.
What to expect when you have external beam radiation?
If you have external beam radiation, you’ll meet with your radiation oncologist and a nurse before starting treatment. They will walk you through what to expect with external beam radiation, and the risks and benefits of this treatment. At this time, you’ll likely have a physical exam and go over your medical history.
How does a breast cancer machine work?
With this method, a large machine sends beams of radiation to the area of your breast that’s been affected by cancer. The beams are aimed directly at the site of your tumor. While the machine moves around you, it can send radiation to your tumor from different directions.
How long does radiation therapy last?
With breast cancer, radiation therapy usually begins about 3 to 4 weeks after breast-conserving therapy or a mastectomy, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. External beam radiation is typically given once a day, 5 days a week, for anywhere from 2 to 10 weeks on an outpatient basis.
What is the most common type of radiation therapy?
The most common type of radiation therapy is external beam radiation, according to the American Cancer Society. With external beam radiation, a machine directs high energy beams of radiation at the area where the cancer cells have been found.
What is the catheter used for breast radiation?
Most internal radiation, or brachytherapy, is given with a catheter. This is a small, flexible tube that’s surgically placed into the space left from breast-conserving surgery. At the end of the catheter is a device that can be inflated inside your breast so that it stays in place for the duration of the treatment.
What is internal radiation?
The National Cancer Institute also shares that internal radiation is when a source of radiation is put into your body. This type of radiation is also known as brachytherapy. In brachytherapy, a device with radioactive seeds or pellets is temporarily put into your breast tissue where the tumor was located.
How long does radiation treatment last on breast?
A whole breast radiation treatment regimen consists of appointments 5 days a week for 6–7 weeks. Hypofractionated radiation therapy is a faster process that focuses radiation on the whole breast in larger doses for 3–5 weeks. This schedule is just as effective and may even result in fewer long-term side effects.
What is breast radiation?
In whole breast radiation, machines direct radioactive particles across the entire breast. This procedure takes place after surgery to remove the primary tumors. If any cancer cells have survived the surgery, the radiation helps prevent them from growing.
What is brachytherapy radiation?
Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy that generates radiation from within the body. In comparison with external beam radiation, which projects particles of radiation from outside the body, brachytherapy can deliver higher doses of radiation in a precise fashion, resulting in fewer side effects and shorter treatment times.
What type of radiation is used to treat breast cancer?
External beam radiation. External beam radiation uses machines to focus radioactive particles at the areas of the body that cancer has affected. It is the type of radiation therapy that doctors most commonly use to treat breast cancer. The treatment type and schedule differ depending on the areas of the body that need treatment and ...
What is radiation therapy?
Overview of radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high energy X-rays, protons, or other particles to kill cancer cells. These particles damage the DNA in cancer cells, ridding them of their ability to reproduce, which slows or stops their growth.
How long does radiation therapy last?
People may need to complete a course of radiation therapy, which will likely span several weeks. Radiation treatment can use external beam radiation or internal beam radiation, which doctors call brachytherapy. The therapy may treat the whole breast or focus on specific areas to minimize the damage to healthy cells.
Why do people need radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy is a flexible and safe treatment. Doctors may use it after surgery to remove cancerous tumors, as it can reduce the chances of a recurrence by destroying any remaining cancer cells. If an individual has metastatic breast cancer, which is when cancer has spread to other parts ...
Why It's Done
- Radiation therapy kills cancer cells. It's often used after surgery to reduce the risk that the cancer will come back. It can also be used to provide relief from pain and other symptoms of advanced breast cancer.
Risks
- Side effects from radiation therapy differ significantly depending on the type of treatment and which tissues are treated. Side effects tend to be most significant toward the end of your radiation treatment. After your sessions are complete, it may be several days or weeks before side effects clear up. Common side effects during treatment may include: 1. Mild to moderate fatigu…
How You Prepare
- Before your radiation treatments, you'll meet with your radiation therapy team, which may include: 1. A radiation oncologist,a doctor who specializes in treating cancer with radiation. Your radiation oncologist determines the appropriate therapy for you, follows your progress and adjusts your treatment, if necessary. 2. A radiation oncology medical physicist and a dosimetrist,who make c…
What You Can Expect
- Radiation therapy usually begins three to eight weeks after surgery unless chemotherapy is planned. When chemotherapy is planned, radiation usually starts three to four weeks after chemotherapy is finished. You will likely have radiation therapy as an outpatient at a hospital or other treatment facility. A common treatment schedule (course) historically has included one ra…
Results
- After you complete radiation therapy, your radiation oncologist or other medical professionals will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress, look for late side effects and check for signs of cancer recurrence. Make a list of questions you want to ask members of your care team. After your radiation therapy is completed, tell your medical professional if you experience: 1. Persiste…
Clinical Trials
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