How to Explore Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer Treatment

Radiation therapy has been shown to be effective in treating breast cancer, a disease in which cancerous cells form malignant masses within the breasts. Radiation therapy is not usually given as a stand-alone treatment. Rather, it is often used on the affected breast tissue after as much of the tumor as possible has been surgically removed. Radiation therapy only affects the breast, making it a more localized treatment than chemotherapy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Be aware that many people have emotional, visceral reactions to the word 'radiation.' Although it can be harmful in large doses, small, controlled doses can kill malignant cancer cells.

2. Be aware that radiation can result in such side effects as nausea, fatigue and pain. Many women also experience soreness or swelling in the affected area.

3. Know that radiation can, in some cases, result in more tumors elsewhere in the body.

4. Ask your doctor about surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and biological therapy. Ask why radiation, in particular, is being prescribed for you.

5. Know that radiation therapy can be used before or after surgery. Before surgery, radiation can be used to shrink the tumor and make it more easily operable. After surgery, radiation can be used to prevent recurrence.

6. Know the target group for whom radiation therapy is usually prescribed. It can be effective for women with stage 0 through stage III breast cancer. It can also be used after you've had a lumpectomy or mastectomy.

7. Know that you'll need to arrange your schedule around daily treatments. Radiation is usually given once a day, five days a week. This schedule will need to be maintained for one to two months. It can be a difficult adjustment to shuffle the demands of work, family and friends, but taking daily action against cancer can also have a positive effect on your mindset.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor whether internal or external radiation would work better for you. According to the American Cancer Society, emerging studies on internal radiation show that it may be as effective as external radiation.
• The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) offers information about how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to employees suffering from cancer (see Resources below).
• Prepare yourself for the stress and anxiety of a cancer diagnosis by connecting with your hospital's breast cancer support group. The American Cancer Society can also connect you to a group (see Resources below).

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