When is radiotherapy recommended for breast cancer?

Your team reviews the tumour’s size and features, the operation performed, the edges of the removed tissue, and whether lymph nodes contain cancer. After breast-conserving surgery, radiation is often used to treat the remaining breast tissue. After mastectomy, it may be considered when findings suggest a higher chance of cancer remaining in the chest area or nearby nodes.

The target may include the breast, chest wall, or selected lymph-node regions. Treatment can be arranged around chemotherapy, hormone treatment, targeted medicines, or further surgery. The radiation oncologist will explain the intended benefit and possible effects on skin, breast shape, shoulder movement, heart, or lungs, depending on the side and area treated.

Bring your pathology and surgery details if available, and tell the team about implants, previous radiation, pregnancy or possible pregnancy, and medicines. Planning usually involves positioning and imaging so the beam can be shaped accurately. Wear comfortable clothing and follow skin-care advice from the treatment team.

Fatigue and skin irritation can develop during or after a course. Mention discomfort, swelling, breathlessness, or reduced shoulder movement so support can be arranged. Continue prescribed breast cancer medicines unless your oncology team gives different instructions.

Contact your team promptly for rapidly increasing breast or chest-wall swelling, spreading blistering or broken skin, fever, new breathlessness, chest pain, or an arm that becomes suddenly swollen and painful. Emergency care is appropriate for severe breathing difficulty or crushing chest pain.

Ask which areas will be treated, why radiation is advised after your operation, how it fits with medicines, how to protect your skin, and which breast, arm, breathing, or chest symptoms should be reported urgently.