What Exactly Is Radiation Therapy, and How Does It Work?
Radiation therapy (or radiotherapy) kills cancer cells by using high-energy rays. It only affects cells in the area of the body that is exposed to radiation. Breast cancer radiation therapy are used to eliminate any remaining mutated cells in the breast or armpit area following surgery.
Note: In some cases, radiation is used to treat women with metastatic breast cancer with painful bone metastasis. On the other hand, this section concentrated on the use of radiation for adjuvant therapy (treatment given after the main treatment to lower the chance of breast cancer returning).
Who should be prepared to receive radiation therapy, and what is involved?
Some people with Stage 0 (DCIS) cancer and the vast majority with Stage 1 invasive cancer and higher who have had a lumpectomy can expect radiation therapy to be a part of their treatment plan.
What Are the Various Types of Radiation Therapy?
Most radiation therapy is delivered at a radiation centre by a radiation oncologist and typically begins three to four weeks after surgery. Radiation destroys undetectable cancer cells and reduces the risk of cancer recurring in the affected breast.
There are two types of radiation therapy to consider, and some people receive both.
- Breast Cancer Radiation via External Beam (Traditional cancer-killing rays delivered by a large machine)
- Radiation for Internal Breast Cancer (Newer treatments that inject radioactive cancer-killing treatments only in the affected area)
Remember that the course of treatment you choose should be discussed with your radiation oncologist to ensure that it is as effective as possible.
Breast Cancer Radiation via External Beam
External beam radiation therapy (also known as traditional or whole breast radiation therapy) employs external beam radiation like a regular X-ray. Still, the beam is highly focused and targets the cancerous area for two to three minutes. This type of treatment typically entails multiple appointments in an outpatient radiation centre, up to five days a week, for five or six weeks. Certain circumstances may necessitate a slightly higher radiation dose over a shorter treatment period, usually three to four weeks (accelerated radiation.)
External breast cancer radiation was once the most commonly used treatment for breast cancer. However, in recent years, internal radiation clinical trials have allowed more women to choose this treatment option if their cancer was detected early enough. Internal radiation has fewer noticeable side effects.
Radiation for Internal Breast Cancer
Internal radiation is a type of breast radiation. During the treatment, the physician or surgeon inserts a radioactive liquid through needles, wires, or a catheter to kill any remaining cancer cells in the area where cancer began to grow and the tissue closest to the tumour site.
Internal Radiation Brachytherapy via Implantable Device
During or shortly after surgery, the doctor inserts a device into the breast that delivers targeted radiation to the tissue where cancer first developed (also known as the tumour bed). This type of radiation may require only one treatment in the operating room or 5-7 days of outpatient treatment in the radiation therapy department.
In almost all cases, the radiation oncologist determines the best method based on the location and size of the tumour.
What Are Radiation’s Side Effects?
Radiation therapy can cause side effects that differ from person to person.
The following are the most common side effects:
- Skin irritation caused by sunburn in the affected area (which may range from mild to intense)
- Skin that is red, dry, tender, or itchy
- Breast enlargement
- Discolouration, redness, or the appearance of a bruise
- General exhaustion
What should I do about breast cancer radiation side effects?
If you are having trouble with side effects, talk to your doctor, who may be able to suggest ways to treat them and make yourself feel more comfortable. These issues usually resolve themselves quickly, but there may be a long-term change in the colour of your skin.
Here are some general guidelines for dealing with the most common radiation side effects:
- Bras and tight clothing can irritate your skin and cause pain. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing during this period.
- Gentle skin care is also essential. Before using any deodorants, lotions, or creams on the treated area, consult your doctor.
- You should be aware that more intensive treatment methods will strain your body. Taking care of yourself during radiation therapy is critical by getting plenty of rest and prioritizing good nutrition.
- While rest is important, doctors usually advise patients to stay active unless it causes pain or other problems. Exercise regularly has been shown to reduce the fatigue patients experience due to radiation therapy.
- You should talk to your doctor about the long-term effects of radiation therapy. For example, radiation therapy to the chest may cause lung or heart damage. It can also alter the size and appearance of your breasts. If any of these issues arise, your oncology team will be able to advise you on how to handle them.
