Possible Side Effects of Radiation for Breast Cancer
Side effects can occur with radiation therapy for breast cancer. If they do occur, they are usually temporary and should subside shortly after treatment ends. Ask your doctor what you can expect from your specific treatment.
Here are some common side effects of breast cancer radiation therapy:
- Skin irritation similar to sunburn. Your healthcare team may advise you to avoid exposing the treated skin to the sun because it may worsen the skin condition.
- Mild to moderate breast swelling during treatment. However, in some women, the breast becomes smaller and firmer after radiation therapy. Changes to the breast tissue and skin usually go away in 6 to 12 months.
- Mild fatigue that generally improves a month or two after treatment ends.
- A few women report mild tenderness in the breast or chest wall.
- Internal scarring of a small part of the lung just under the breast.
- Some patients experience swelling to the ipsilateral arm (the arm that's closest to the area being treated) that may result in a reduced range of motion.
- Lymphedema
- Reduced blood count
- Fibrosis, or thickening/scarring of a small spot of tissue inside the breast.
