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Radiation therapy to the breast can cause side effects. Some begin during treatment. Others may not occur until months or even years later. Before you begin radiation therapy, talk with your health care team about possible side effects and how to manage them.
Jan 19, 2023 · What side effects does radiation therapy typically cause in breast cancer patients? There are two “flavors” of side effects from radiation therapy, regardless of what type of cancer is being treated: early and late.
Feb 23, 2024 · Learn about the most common side effects of breast cancer radiation therapy, including skin peeling and fatigue, and how to ease any symptoms you have.
- Jamie Depolo
- Overview
- Short-term side effects
- Long-term side effects
- Rare side effects
- Coping with side effects
- Outlook
One common and effective treatment for breast cancer is radiation therapy. However, it does have some side effects.
A doctor may recommend radiation therapy in combination with other treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy.
There are two main types of radiation treatment:
•External beam radiation: This involves a doctor applying radiation from an external machine to the breast and surrounding tissue.
•Internal radiation (brachytherapy): This involves placing a small radioactive pellet into the body for a short period.
The right treatment for breast cancer depends on many factors, including a person’s age and overall health. A doctor will help a person decide on the best option for them.
Short-term side effects occur during the treatment or directly afterward, usually within 6 months.
Common short-term side effects include:
•Pain: Some people experience mild discomfort or pain around the breast, or stiffness in the shoulder area. Over time, treatments should become less uncomfortable.
•Skin changes: Skin damage is a common side effect of radiation therapy, and having a good skin care routine is essential during treatment. Changes to the skin can include:
•color changes
•peeling or flaking
Long-term side effects occur months or years after treatment has ended.
Long-term side effects can include:
•Breast changes: The breasts may shrink or become more dense after radiation. Some women have reported problems breastfeeding.
•Brachial plexopathy: Radiation to the breast or chest wall can sometimes damage the nerves that run through the arm, wrist, and hand. Nerve damage can cause numbness, pain, or weakness in the area.
Rare side effects of radiation can include:
•Nausea: Radiation can cause nausea, but this side effect is extremely rare.
•Rib fracture: It is possible for radiation therapy to weaken the ribs, making them more prone to break or fracture. However, with new treatment protocols in practice, this is very rare.
•Heart problems: If a doctor applies radiation to the left side of the chest, it can damage the heart. However, with new protocols in place, this is also rare.
•Lung problems: Very rarely, radiation causes inflammation in the lungs. The medical term for this is radiation pneumonitis, and symptoms include shortness of breath, a cough, and a low-grade fever, which will go away over time.
•A second cancer: In very rare cases, radiation exposure can increase the risk of developing a second cancer.
The benefits of having radiation therapy for breast cancer outweigh the risks. However, the side effects can be uncomfortable.
Asking friends and family to help with everyday activities during treatment can help a person accommodate some common side effects, such as fatigue.
Using heating pads and ice packs may help a person cope with pain and soreness following radiation therapy.
Wearing loose clothing and applying an unscented moisturizer can help reduce discomfort caused by skin changes.
To reduce stress and fight fatigue, a person can also try:
•meditation
Radiation therapy can be a very effective treatment for breast cancer. A person should expect some side effects, but most will be mild and resolve over time.
It is essential to communicate any side effects to the medical team, to ensure that a person is not experiencing a symptom of something more serious.
If side effects are impacting a person’s quality of life, they should speak to a doctor, who may be able to recommend ways to reduce discomfort.
Read this article in Spanish.
Aug 18, 2023 · Health Library / Treatments & Procedures / Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer. Radiation therapy for breast cancer kills cancerous cells in tumors. People who have breast cancer surgery often receive radiation therapy afterward to eliminate cancer cells that remain after surgery.
Radiotherapy for breast cancer can cause side effects such as swelling and difficulty moving your arm and shoulder. Everyone is different and side effects can vary from person to person. You may only have very few side effects, or you may have several. Talk to your healthcare team if you are worried about your side effects or have any questions.
People also ask
What are the side effects of radiation therapy in breast cancer patients?
Can radiation therapy cause side effects?
Does radiation therapy for breast cancer kill cancerous cells?
Does radiation cause nausea?
Some of the most common short-term side effects of radiation for breast cancer are: Skin irritation: Your skin may become red, irritated, dry, or sensitive. This may start to look like a sunburn. The skin may also become darker under the arm and under the breast. In more severe cases, the skin can peel, and moist ulcers can occur.
