Radiation therapy treats cancer by using high-energy rays to target and eliminate cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be used as a part of treatment for almost every stage of breast cancer.
What is Radiation Therapy?
Your physician may recommend radiation to treat:
- Cancer that cannot be removed with surgery.
- Any cancer cells remaining after surgery.
- Breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
- Symptoms caused by breast cancer.
How is Radiation Therapy Given?
Radiation therapy can be given in multiple ways. External radiation directs high-energy rays into the tumor from outside of the body, while internal radiation, also called brachytherapy, places a radioactive source into the body near the tumor. Your cancer care team will determine which is the most appropriate and effective approach for your cancer.
How Radiation Therapy is Used to Treat Breast Cancer
Radiation Therapy after Lumpectomy:
A lumpectomy, also called breast-conserving surgery, removes the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue. Some lymph nodes may also be removed. Radiation therapy can be given after a lumpectomy to reduce the risk of local recurrence.
Radiation Therapy after Mastectomy:
A mastectomy removes breast cancer by removing the entire breast. Some patients may receive radiation therapy after a mastectomy. Your physician will look at the size of your cancer, the number of lymph nodes affected, and other characteristics to determine if radiation therapy would be a benefit to you.
Radiation Therapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer:
Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. Radiation therapy may be used to shrink or control the cancer at the spot where it has spread or to relieve symptoms. This can help decrease pain, lower the risk of broken bones and bleeding, and improve breathing.
Radiation Therapy for Inflammatory Breast Cancer:
Inflammatory breast cancer spreads to the lymph channels of the skin covering the breast. Radiation therapy for this kind of cancer is usually given after both chemotherapy and mastectomy to decrease the chance of the cancer coming back.
What To Expect During Radiation Therapy
Every patient is different, and so is their cancer treatment. While your care team can answer any questions you have about your specific treatment plan, here’s what you can generally expect as you begin radiation therapy.
Before Treatment:
Before you begin radiation therapy, your care team will plan your treatment with a simulation. You will lie on the imaging scanner in the same position you will be in during treatment. Your team may mark a spot on your skin to help aim the radiation beam.
During Treatment:
Treatment sessions are generally short, lasting only a few minutes. You will not feel the radiation during the treatment. As you receive the radiation, you will be monitored by your radiation therapist. The total number of treatments you receive will be determined by your care team. You can expect to regularly check in with your radiation oncologist and radiation oncology nurse to evaluate side effects and address any of your concerns.
After Treatment:
After treatment is completed, your physician will schedule follow-up appointments as needed. You may experience side effects after treatment, as the radiation continues to work for a few weeks following the completion of your therapy. Please talk to your physician about potential side effects for your specific treatment.
Your Radiation Team
- Radiation Oncologist
This is a physician who specializes in using radiation therapy to treat cancer. - Radiation Oncology Nurse
Your nurse is there to answer any questions you may have during treatment, monitor your health, and help you manage any side effects. - Radiation Therapist
This member of your team will operate the machines used in your radiation therapy and gives you your treatment. - Physicist
A physicist specializing in cancer treatments will work with the radiation oncologist to plan each radiation treatment to ensure the right amount of radiation is delivered to the correct area of the body. - Dosimetrist
This member of your care team helps your radiation oncologist determine the correct dose of radiation.
Our radiation oncology staff at Southern Cancer Center will guide you through each step of the radiation treatment process, from initial consultation to follow-up care. Learn more about our radiation services online at SouthernCancerCenter.com or by contacting our office at (251) 625-6896.
