Know about Radiation Treatment for Breast Cancer

Radiation therapy is used in treating breast cancer. It uses high energy X-rays, which are directed towards the cell. Doing this prevents the cell's ability to divide hence preventing the growth of cancer.

Radiation therapy is a painless method used in the present time for treating breast cancer.

It does not take more than a few minutes to complete one session of radiation therapy.

Radiation therapy is generally used after surgery. It is also be used to provide relief from pain and other symptoms of advanced breast cancer. Radiation therapy begins eight weeks after the surgery.

A common schedule for the treatment includes treatment five days a week for about five to six weeks. Team members generally include:

• A radiation oncologist determines appropriate therapy for you.
• A radiation oncology medical physicist and dosimetrist decide the treatment dosage.
• A radiation oncology Nurse is a physician assistant, who can help you with the questions on side effects.
• The radiation therapist operates the equipment.

The X-rays used in treating breast cancer help kill the cells, which will prevent the tumor from growing. The X-rays affect both the healthy/normal cell as well as the cancerous cells. The healthy/normal cells can recover after some time and eventually function and grow as they did before.

This therapy can be used to treat breast cancer in almost every stage of cancer. Radiation therapy is a very effective and painless way to treat breast cancer. It also helps with recurring breast cancer after the surgery.

The radiation therapy directed externally. It is directed towards the entire breast. External beam radiation therapy uses high energy beams delivered through a large machine called the linear accelerator. You may need multiple appointments, such as 5 or 6 days a week.

It is most commonly used for breast cancer. Internal radiation therapy is also known as Brachy Therapy or speed implantation. This is a type of breast cancer treatment.

• Internal radiation therapy delivers a high dose of radiation to the tumor directly and helps to spare nearby tissues.
• The oncologist inserts radioactive materials directly where cancer has affected.

People who are being affected with breast cancer should first consult a radiation therapy oncologist.

People that are generally prescribed radiation therapy are -

• People with stage 1 invasive cancer
• A person who has had a lumpectomy

Side effects during radiation therapy may include -

• Sunburn like reaction on the skin
• Red, dry, tender or itchy skin
• Mild to moderate fatigue
• Discoloration
• Breast heaviness

Any side effect that occurs should be discussed with the oncologist on what measures should be taken to decrease the effect of side effects of radiation therapy.

Internal radiation therapy increases the risk of (depending on the tissues exposed).

• Rib fracture or chest wall tenderness; may occur rarely.
• Inflamed lung tissue or heart damage; these occur rarely.
• Complication leading to the removal of an implant in women who have a mastectomy.

The cost of radiation therapy in India may vary depending on the type of radiation therapy required. An average cost of internal radiation therapy costs up to Rs.5,00,000, whereas an external radiation therapy may cost up to Rs.1,00,000.

This is accessible in most parts of India, especially the urban parts of India. But awareness about such therapy to treat breast cancer is not enough.

Radiation Therapy for treating breast cancer is painless and is completed in a short period. There are side effects of radiation therapy, but no permanent damage is caused. One should always consult an oncologist before starting any therapy for the treatment of breast cancer.

You can also get in touch with the best hospital of Cancer Treatment in Delhi for breast cancer treatment.