Radiation therapy is a highly targeted and effective way to destroy cancer cells in the breast that may stick around after Breast Lumpectomy or Breast Mastectomy surgery. Radiation can reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence by about 70%. Radiation therapy is relatively easy to tolerate and its side effects are limited to the treated area. The actual delivery of radiation treatment is painless, but the radiation itself may cause some discomfort over time like the burning and sensitivity of the skin around the area that is being treated. .
Radiation therapy uses a special kind of high-energy beam to damage and kill cancer cells. Over time, the radiation damages cells that are in the path of its beam, both normal cells and cancer cells. But radiation affects cancer cells more than normal cells. But cancer cells are more easily destroyed by radiation, while healthy, normal cells are better able to repair themselves and survive the treatment.
Research has shown that people who are treated with radiation after lumpectomy and even mastectomy are more likely to live longer, and remain cancer-free longer, than those who don’t get radiation. Radiation is a local, targeted therapy designed to kill cancer cells that may still exist after surgery. Radiation is given to the area where the cancer started or to another part of the body to which the cancer spread.
Some facts about Radiation treatments (provided by breastcancer.org)
• External radiation treatment, the most common kind of radiation therapy, does not make you radioactive.
• Treatment is usually given 5 days a week for up to 7 weeks.
• Since the daily appointments usually take about 30 minutes, you’ll most likely be able to follow most of your normal routine during treatment.
• Radiation will not make you lose your hair, unless radiation is given to your head.
• In the area where you are receiving radiation, your skin can turn pink, red, or tan, and may be sensitive and irritated. Creams and other medicines can soothe these symptoms.
• During your treatment course, you may feel tired. This feeling can last for a few weeks — even months — after treatment ends.
• Most radiation side effects are temporary.
• Radiation therapy can significantly decrease the risk of cancer returning after surgery.
I hope this has been helpful. Would love to hear from you if you have been through or are facing radiation therapy. What side effects did you encounter? What is your biggest fear facing treatments?
You can read more about radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer and find out more information on www.breastcancer.org.
