Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer

Treating Breast Cancer

The main treatment for breast cancer is surgery, which is often followed by radiation therapy. Depending on the specific tumor characteristics, some patients will also undergo chemotherapy and/or hormone therapy.

Radiation may be delivered following a lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and a small area of surrounding tissue) or a mastectomy (removal of the entire breast) to reduce the risk that the cancer could come back in that area. It may also be delivered in cases where the cancer has spread to a distant site in the body, such as the bone, to alleviate discomfort.

Possible Side Effects

The most common side effects associated with radiation to the breast include skin irritation in the treatment area and fatigue.