Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer Patients
University Hospitals Ireland Cancer Center now University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center's multidisciplinary team members work together to decide which cancer patients should receive radiation therapy and how it will be delivered. Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. Some women either have radiation treatments before surgery to destroy cancer cells and shrink the tumor, or after surgery to destroy cancer cells that may still be in the area. Radiation therapy might also be used before or after chemotherapy.
Two types of radiation therapy are used to treat breast cancer, and some patients receive both types:
- External radiation: A type of radiation therapy that uses a machine to aim high-energy rays at the cancer from outside of the body.
- Internal radiation: This type of radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires or catheters that is placed directly into or near the cancer. The way the radiation therapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.
Before treatments begin, patients meet with doctors and therapists to be positioned and have their skin marked. This preparation helps direct the radiation treatment to the correct area of the patient’s body.
Radiation Treatment Side Effects
While undergoing external radiation treatments, patients should not have limitations on activities, although feeling tired is a common side effect. A well-balanced diet, planned with the aid of University Hospitals dietitians, will help patients feel better and stay stronger. Skin in the treatment area may appear red or tanned and become dry, but this will clear up after treatments are stopped.