FAQs About Radiation Treatments for Breast Cancer
Q: How is radiotherapy used to fight breast cancer?
Radiation therapy for breast cancer is most commonly used after a lumpectomy or mastectomy. Following surgery, radiation therapy is used to kill any malignant cancer cells that may have been left behind or shed during surgery. This important procedure is designed to help prevent your cancer from recurring. In fact, post-surgery radiation to the site where the tumor was removed has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrence significantly (Lancet 2005).
Q: For how long will I have to go to radiotherapy?
Your radiation oncologist will decide how many treatment sessions you should have. Typically, IG-IMRT for breast cancer is done over 4-6 weeks, but you may be prescribed treatment for 7 weeks. If your radiation oncologist recommends APBI, you may have up to 10 sessions in 5 days.
Q: How does 'respiratory gating' work? Will I need it?
Respiratory gating is most commonly used for patients with breast cancer on the left side. Your team will study the motion of your chest as you breathe. With visual/audio coaching, the therapist may direct you to hold your breath while a small cube on your chest broadcasts the position of the ribcage back into the control room. Holding your breath while the lungs are full creates the largest possible space between your heart and breastplate, allowing the radiation to penetrate your surgical site while sparing heart and lung tissue.
Q: What are the side effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer?
Approximately 60%-70% of patients experience no side effects at all. If they do occur, side effects are usually temporary and should subside after treatment ends. During treatment, the most common side effects are skin irritation, and mild fatigue. See Possible Side Effects for more information.
For more FAQs, see Radiation Therapy FAQs.
