What to Know About Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer

The Goal of Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer

Radiation treatment is also called radiotherapy. It’s one way to treat breast cancer. It uses strong X-rays or another source to kill cancer cells. Radiation is a local treatment. That means it affects the cancer cells only in the treated area.

There are two ways to get radiation. One way is externally, called external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). The other way is internally, called brachytherapy. EBRT is the more common method.

Making the Decision to Have Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer

Your doctor may suggest radiation if you fall into one of the following categories.

  • You have Stage DCIS or Stage I, II, or III breast cancer. You would get radiation after surgery. This is called adjuvant treatment. Radiation is often used after breast-conserving surgery. It is sometimes used after mastectomy. The goal is to kill cancer cells left after surgery, which lowers the chance the cancer will come back.
  • You have Stage IV, which is metastatic breast cancer, meaning the cancer has spread. The goal of radiation in this case is mainly to ease symptoms of the cancer.

Here are some other issues you and your doctor should consider as you decide whether to have radiation treatment.

  • The location of the facility where radiation is given and your ability to get to it.
  • Whether you’ve had radiation treatment before that hasn’t worked.
  • Any conditions you have that prevent you from getting radiation.

You’ll have to discuss your situation with your doctor and weigh the benefits and the risks before making a decision.