Breast Cancer Care

Learn how radiation therapy works, what to expect during treatment, and how to manage side effects for breast cancer care.

Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer

What to Expect from Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer

Radiation therapy is a common and effective treatment for breast cancer. It uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. This page will help you understand what to expect during your treatment and how to take care of yourself during the process.

Breast Overview

Radiation therapy for breast cancer typically focuses on the breast, chest wall, or nearby lymph nodes. It works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, stopping them from growing or spreading.
There are two main types of radiation used:
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): This is the most common type, where a machine directs radiation at the cancer from outside your body.
Brachytherapy: In some cases, small radioactive seeds are placed inside the body near the cancer.

Role of Radiation Therapy in Breast Cancer

Radiation therapy is often recommended after surgery to:

Lower the risk of cancer coming back in the treated area
Target any remaining cancer cells that couldn’t be seen or removed during surgery

The Treatment Process

Initial Consultation: You’ll meet with your radiation oncologist to discuss the plan and understand how radiation therapy will help.

Planning Session (Simulation): Before treatment begins, you’ll have a planning session where the radiation team maps out the exact area for treatment. This may involve CT scans or other imaging.

Treatment Schedule: Radiation therapy usually takes place 5 days a week for several weeks. Each session lasts about 15-30 minutes. The actual radiation only takes a few minutes, but setting up and positioning might take longer. Your radiation oncologist will tell you how many treatments are recommended

During Treatment: You’ll lie still on a table while a machine delivers the radiation. The process is painless, but you might feel some discomfort due to your arm in the upright position during treatment.

Once a week during your treatment, you will meet with a doctor who will check your skin and help you manage any symptoms.

Possible Side Effects During Radiation

Side effects vary depending on the individual, but some common ones include:

Skin changes: The treated skin may become red, dry, itchy, or tender.
Fatigue: Many patients feel tired, especially as treatment progresses.
Breast swelling: Swelling and tenderness may occur in the treated area.
Other effects: Some patients experience mild soreness or stiffness in the chest. Few patients will experience nausea.

Most side effects gradually go away after treatment ends, but your care team will help you manage them.

Self Care During Radiation

Here are some tips to take care of yourself during radiation therapy:

Hydration and nutrition: Stay hydrated and eat a healthy, balanced diet to keep your energy up.

Skin care: Use gentle, unscented soap and avoid rubbing the treated skin. We recommend calendula moisturizing cream. Wear loose, cotton clothing. Do not wear underwire bra. Do not use ice or heat on the area being treated.

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Rest: Try to get plenty of rest, as radiation can make you feel more tired than usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect during my radiation therapy sessions?

During each session, you’ll lie on a treatment table while a machine called a linear accelerator delivers targeted radiation to your breast area. The procedure is painless and typically lasts about 15 to 30 minutes. Most of this time is spent ensuring you’re correctly positioned. The actual radiation exposure only takes a few minutes. You can breathe normally but will need to remain still during treatment.

What are the common side effects, and how can I manage them?

Common side effects include skin irritation resembling a sunburn—redness, dryness, itching, or peeling—in the treated area. Fatigue is also common and may build up over the course of treatment. To manage skin irritation, use mild soaps, avoid hot water, and wear loose-fitting clothing. Your healthcare team may recommend specific creams or lotions. For fatigue, balance activity with rest and maintain a healthy diet.

Will radiation therapy affect my daily activities?

Many patients continue their regular daily routines during radiation therapy, including work and light exercise. However, you might experience increased tiredness, so it’s important to listen to your body and rest when needed. Discuss your activities with your healthcare team to make any necessary adjustments.

Can radiation therapy impact my ability to have children in the future?

Radiation therapy for breast cancer is localized to the breast area and generally does not affect fertility. However, if you have concerns about fertility or pregnancy, it’s important to discuss them with your oncologist before starting treatment. They can provide detailed information and may refer you to a fertility specialist if needed.

How should I care for my skin during and after treatment?

Protecting your skin is crucial. Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps and avoid scrubbing the treated area. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, or deodorants on the treatment area unless approved by your doctor. Protect your skin from sun exposure by wearing protective clothing or using a sunscreen recommended by your healthcare provider. Continue this care even after your treatment has concluded to aid the healing process