Why radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy rays, usually x-rays, to kill cancer cells. Radiation is very effective in killing fast growing cells like breast cancer. Some healthy cells are also damaged during the radiation, but these can recover. Radiation reduces the chance of the cancer returning. For example, women who have had a lumpectomy without radiation have as much as a 40% chance of recurrence while those with radiation have only a 10% chance. Radiation is almost always recommended for patients following lumpectomy and occasional for those following mastectomy. Side effects include skin irritation and reddness to the area (like a sunburn and rarely significant burns), breast swelling and soreness (usually resolves after Rx but can be long term), fatigue (usually minimal and self-limiting), and lymphedema (swelling of the arm or hand increases if the axilla is treated). Not wanting radiation is the number one reason ladies in my practice who are lumpectomy candidates choose ma
