Radiation Treatment for Breast Cancer in Northeast Ohio

University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center Provides the Latest Options in Radiation Treatment for Breast Cancer

UH Seidman Cancer Center’s Breast Cancer Program provides the latest advances in radiation therapy for women with breast cancer. Radiation therapy is an effective treatment for many women as part of a breast cancer treatment plan.

TYPES OF BREAST RADIATION TREATMENT

Both external and internal advanced radiation oncology treatments are available at UH Seidman Cancer Center’s Breast Cancer Program. Some women may receive a combination of the following therapies:

• 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: 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

SIDE EFFECTS AFTER BREAST RADIATION TREATMENT

While undergoing external radiation treatments, patients should not have limitations on activities, although skin changes or feeling tired are common side effects. 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 breast radiation treatments are stopped.

If patients experience any of these concerns or any other recent health issues while undergoing radiation therapy, they can talk with their physician at UH Seidman Cancer Center Breast Cancer Program.

Surviving Breast Cancer

Adjuvant radiation, or radiation administered after initial cancer treatment, offers potential survival advantage and improvement in local breast cancer control. Areas that typically receive radiation include:

• The breast after breast-conserving surgery
• The chest wall following mastectomy, with or without regional lymph node irradiation

Women with left-sided breast cancer may benefit from newer radiation techniques that are currently being studied at UH Seidman Cancer Center. These radiation oncology techniques offer better protection of the heart during radiation treatment for breast cancer.