The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2009, approximately 192,370 women were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and nearly 62,280 women were newly diagnosed with non-invasive breast cancer, or carcinoma in situ. Treatment for breast cancer is typically a combination of treatments, such as surgery and radiation, or lumpectomy and chemotherapy. The type of treatment chosen depends on the kind of breast cancer, the stage and the patients' general health. Each method carries breast cancer treatment side effects, many of which are easily manageable and subside once treatment has ended.
Side Effects of Surgery
Surgery for breast cancer, whether it is a lumpectomy or mastectomy, can cause side effects. These can include swelling, pain, infection and scar tissue that forms around the incision site. There may be a change in the shape of the breast, depending on how much breast tissue is removed. Lymph nodes under the armpit are typically biopsied during surgery, as well, to look for cancer in the lymph nodes; this may cause a condition known as lymphedema. The American Cancer Society describes lymphedema as a swelling of the arm caused by excess lymph fluid that is unable to drain back into the bloodstream once lymph nodes are excised. Other short-term effects can include restrictions in arm and shoulder movement post-surgery. Special exercises are typically done post-surgery to regain movement.
Side Effects of Radiation
Radiation therapy to the breast or chest area can cause a variety of side effects. Skin changes can occur, including reddening or darkening of the skin that may look like a sunburn, dry or peeling skin, soreness and irritation, and itching. Other side effects of radiation include fatigue, heart problems, chest pain and lowered white blood cell counts, which can lead to a lowered immune system and increased risk of infection.
Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells, and varying chemotherapy drugs are used to treat breast cancer. Different drugs have different side effects, but several general side effects might be seen. Common side effects of breast cancer chemotherapy can include hair loss, fatigue, lowered red and white blood cell counts (leading to anemia and higher risk of infections), mouth sores, nausea and vomiting and loss of appetite. Another side effect is called "chemo brain," which involves slight cognitive effects such as problems with memory and concentration, and difficulty multi-tasking. Chemo brain typically is short-term, but some people find it to be long-lasting. The majority side effects of chemotherapy are manageable and subside once treatment has ended.
