Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. Breast cancer can be treated with radiation therapy, and is typically combined with surgery, and sometimes chemotherapy or hormone therapy. For breast cancer treatment, radiation can be given externally (a machine aims radiation at the breast area) or internally (radioactive seeds or pellets are placed in the breast tissue near the cancer). Many side effects resolve once treatment ends, and not everyone will experience all the side effects.
Skin Changes
During radiation therapy, the skin on the breast may become red, inflamed or irritated, as if it were sunburned. The skin may peel or blister, and will likely become darker than skin not receiving radiation. These changes happen over time during treatment, and generally go away once treatment has ended. According to the American Cancer Society, the skin changes tend to resolve within 6 to 12 months. During radiation your health care team may be able to give you creams or medications to help with any skin irritation or inflammation.
Breast Changes
Along with skin changes, you may notice some changes in your breast and breast tissue. Some women find their breast becomes smaller and more firm after radiation than it was before. Radiation can also affect a woman's chances of reconstruction. If the lymph nodes under the arm are radiated, the resulting fluid buildup could cause lymphedema, which is a swelling of the arm.
Miscellaneous Side Effects
During radiation treatment for breast cancer, you may experience other side effects, including fatigue, chest pain, lowered white blood cell counts, and heart problems. Nine out of 10 people experience fatigue during cancer treatment, according to Breastcancer.org, and this fatigue does not resolve with rest. Lowered white blood cell counts can increase your risk of infections during treatment, and if your counts get too low, your doctor may prescribe medication to boost your white blood cell counts. Sometimes radiation may cause heart problems or chest pain, and if you have any symptoms like chest tightness, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat or dizziness.
