Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy

Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy

Although surgery is the first and most important step in the battle against cancer, it sometimes leaves a small number of infected cells in the breast, leaving the doors open for the disease to redevelop in the future. Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is a targeted and effective technique to destroy cancer cells that may have been missed during surgery. Radiotherapy reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence by almost 70 percent. Compared to other treatments and techniques associated with breast cancer, radiation therapy is easier to tolerate as well as limited in its side effects.

How it works:

Breast cancer radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy the DNA of infected cells so as to prevent them from multiplying. The radiated beam affects the DNA of all cells in its path – healthy as well as infected. But cancer cells are wild and less organized than healthy cells. While the healthy cells will be able to repair themselves and recuperate from the damage caused by the beam, the cancer cells are much more likely to die. Many people fear radiation therapy as the word conjures up images of mushroom clouds and green radioactive nuclear waste in their heads. However, therapeutic radiation is extremely controllable, focused and generally safe.

Why is it necessary?

Radiation is usually a necessary post-surgical procedure to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Although it is possible that the surgery was successful in removing all infected cells from your body, there is unfortunately no way to guarantee it as individual cells are not big enough to be detected through tests or during surgery. If a few such cells are left intact within the body, they would become detectable only when they have multiplied enough to form a small lump, by which time they will be a serious problem.

When is it necessary?

Radiation therapy has a vital role to play in the treatment of breast cancers of all stages. In comparison to other techniques associated with breast cancer treatment, radiotherapy is highly effective as well as safe. Specifically, the therapy is appropriate for women with breast cancers of stages I to III, after either lumpectomy or mastectomy. Radiation therapy also has a role to play in the treatment of stage IV cancer which has spread from the breast and lymph nodes to other parts of the body.

The side effects:

Once downside of breast cancer radiation therapy is that it tends to have some side effects, particularly on the skin of the area that is being treated. In most cases, the skin will react as it would to a sunburn. Ir might turn reddish, with burning, itching, soreness and perhaps peeling. With radiotherapy, unlike with sunburns, the skin will react to the radiation gradually and in nonuniform patches. After the conclusion of radiation therapy, the side effects on the skin will likely persist for another week or so before subsiding. During this period it is advisable to wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes and to avoid irritating the treated area of skin as far as possible.

 

 

 

 

Technorati Tags: Breast Cancer Treatment, Breast Cancer Screening, Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy

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