Radiation therapy consists of high-energy X-rays that are used to kill cancer cells and slow down cancer growth. It is a local therapy, which means it only works in the area it is aimed at; it does not circulate throughout the body like chemotherapy.
Significance
According to the American Cancer Society, 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in American women in 2009, in addition to approximately 62,000 new cases of noninvasive breast cancer.
Types
There are two main forms of radiation treatment: external beam radiation, which is administered from a machine that beams radiation toward the specific area; and brachytherapy, which involves placing radioactive pellets into the breast tissue near the cancer, according to Cancer.org.
Side Effects
Side effects of radiation may include breast swelling, skin changes similar to a sunburn and fatigue, according to the American Cancer Society.
Considerations
The form of radiation therapy that is given depends on the stage and extent of your breast cancer. Depending on where the tumor is and the size of the cancer, brachytherapy may not be an option.
Time Frame
The most common radiation regimen is treatment that is administered five days a week for approximately six weeks. Cancer.org states that some doctors are using larger amounts of radiation given over three weeks, but this is not standard. Different time frames are being studied for future use.
