What Breast Cancer Patients Should Know About Radiation Treatment
Screening mammography has more than doubled the rate of breast cancer detection, and it has reduced the percentage of women diagnosed with late-stage disease. And, as we often hear, breast cancer detected at early stages is often easier to treat and more curable than breast cancer detected later on.
More than 50% of women diagnosed with breast cancer will receive radiation therapy at some point in the course of their treatment; however, many women and their families don’t have a clear understanding of radiation therapy, how it works, and when it is used.
At Advocate Radiation Oncology, we treat women with breast cancer exclusively with radiation therapy. Our board-certified radiation oncologists work with a multidisciplinary team, often in concert with your medical oncologist and breast surgeon, to create personalized treatment strategies tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
What Is Radiation Therapy For Breast Cancer?
Radiation therapy is a medical treatment that delivers radiation to destroy the nucleus of cancer cells, preventing them from being able to form new cancer cells. Since radiation can harm healthy cells, we take extreme caution to minimize exposure to healthy tissue.
When Do We Use Radiation Therapy For Breast Cancer?
As previously mentioned, more than 50% of women diagnosed with breast cancer will receive radiation therapy at some point during their treatment. However, we use radiation as a treatment approach differently based on the cancer stage, where she is in her treatment process, as well as whether or not the cancer has spread. Here are examples of how your radiation oncologist may use radiation therapy for your breast cancer:
- Partial breast irradiation after a lumpectomy to reduce the risk of cancer recurring in the same area as the original tumor.
- Boost radiation, which is delivered at the site of the original tumor to ensure all cancer cells have been destroyed.
- Whole breast radiation, which, as its name implies, affects the whole breast. We use this approach for women who have had a lumpectomy, but whose cancer has specific characteristics that make it more appropriate than partial breast irradiation.
- Post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) treats the chest wall and lymph nodes. We use PMRT only on the side where the breast cancer occurred for women whose risk of recurrence may be elevated. PMRT is often used in combination with chemotherapy.
- Neoadjuvant radiation therapy can reduce the size of tumors before surgery, making the surgery less invasive and, sometimes, allowing surgeons to avoid a total mastectomy.
- Radiation therapy for metastatic breast cancer treats specific areas of the body where cancer has spread, including bones, lymph nodes, and the liver. Radiation therapy for metastatic breast cancer can destroy tumors to prevent further progression and to reduce pain from tumors that are pressing against nerves or other structures.
Can Radiation Increase The Risk Of Cancer?
While some types of radiation exposure can increase cancer risk, radiation used for cancer treatment is precisely targeted to destroy existing cancer cells. In breast cancer treatment, the benefits of radiation therapy far outweigh the minimal risk of developing a second cancer later. In fact, radiation therapy significantly lowers a woman’s overall risk of having another cancer in her lifetime. Nevertheless, women who have received radiation treatment to their chest should remain vigilant for any signs or symptoms of future cancers.
Types Of Radiation Therapy
Our specialists consider diagnosis and overall health to select the best radiation treatment for each patient. Options that we offer include:
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Delivers targeted radiation from outside the body directly to the cancerous area
- Surface-Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT): Uses special cameras to track body movement and guide precise radiation delivery
- Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH): A breathing technique used alongside SGRT that moves the breast away from the heart to reduce radiation exposure
What To Expect During Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy sessions to treat breast cancer are generally painless. The delivery typically lasts only a few minutes, although the full appointment, including setup, positioning, and imaging, may take 15 minutes or more. Women receiving partial breast irradiation may only need five or six sessions, while many women will require treatment several days a week over several weeks. Most people can continue their regular day-to-day routine between sessions.
Side effects are typically mild and temporary and may include:
- Fatigue
- Skin irritation in the treated area
- Subtle changes in breast texture or firmness
Will I Lose My Hair During Radiation Therapy?
No, radiation will not cause you to lose the hair on your head. Radiation therapy can cause some degree of hair loss, but not in the same way as chemotherapy. It only affects the area being treated. For breast cancer, that usually means hair loss may occur under the arm or on the chest.
What Life Looks Like After Radiation Therapy
After completing radiation therapy, some patients may continue to experience mild fatigue and temporary skin changes. The treated area may feel tender or slightly swollen, and the skin may appear redder or darker than usual. These effects typically improve within a few weeks as the body heals.
During recovery, it is important for patients to maintain open communication with their care team, who can recommend strategies to relieve discomfort and monitor ongoing progress.
Why Choose Advocate Radiation Oncology
At Advocate Radiation Oncology, we deliver advanced treatment options with individualized care and compassion, guiding patients through each step with support. We offer:
- Experienced specialists
- Sophisticated technologies for accuracy and safety
- Whole-person care that addresses physical and emotional well-being
- Convenient locations and flexible scheduling
Taking The Next Step
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, understanding treatment options is critical. If radiation is the right solution, you can trust our team to be your advocates every step of the way – targeting cancer, reducing the risk of recurrence, and providing compassionate support throughout your treatment.
Contact us today to learn more about breast cancer treatment options and ways we can support you throughout your journey.
Dr. Todd Pezzi first became interested in oncology at a young age after seeing cancer impact his own family. He is passionate about delivering state-of-the-art oncologic care to the residents of Southwest Florida.
Thomas J. Klein, M.D., Ph.D., FACRO is a board-certified radiation oncologist who provides world class cancer treatment in a caring community setting. He values the personal relationships he forms with each of his patients and is committed to helping them in their fight against cancer. Dr. Klein is an advocate for his patients both in and out of the clinic. He has raised awareness on news broadcasts, lobbied for cancer patients’ rights on Capitol Hill, and educated physicians around the country on making better treatment decisions for their patients.
