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Does Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer Have Any Side Effects?

Published On February 18, 2025

Does Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer Have Any Side Effects?

radiotherapy-cancercare

What Is Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer?

Radiation therapy utilizes high energy of
radiation to kill or prevent cancer cells from growing, dividing, or spreading
to other areas of the body. It causes less harm to neighbouring healthy cells
because it is targeted only the tumor area.

Types
of Radiation Therapy

External Beam Radiation is most frequently
used to treat Breast Cancer. A machine outside your body targets the region
impacted by the disease with a radiation beam.

Brachytherapy provides cancer radiation
through something in your body that has been implanted.

Proton Therapy only sends targeted
radiation to your breast tissue, not to your heart or lungs.

Side
Effects of Radiation Therapy

Depending on the dose and type, you may
notice these during treatment:

  • Red, swollen, warm, sensitive
    skin — it might feel like you have a sunburn. It may become moist and tender
    or even peel.
  • Changes in skin sensation
  • Less sweat where you were
    treated
  • Breast swelling
  • Enlarged pores on your breast
  • Infection
  • Damage to fatty tissue in the
    breast
  • Hair loss
  • Fatigue
  • Slight darkening of the skin

Radiation affects each person differently.
To help keep your energy up during radiation treatments:

  • Get enough rest
  • Pace yourself, and plan
    frequent rest periods
  • Eat a well-balanced, nutritious
    diet

Good nutrition will also assist you in
recovering, curing and fighting off infection from side effects. It can also
give you a feeling of well-being. Work with a dietitian to explore methods to
get the nutrients you need if you have a tough time eating.

Many people feel fatigued till several
weeks after the treatment. Most often, this is mild. But some people feel more
tired and may need to change their daily routines. Your doctor will let you
know if they think you should limit your activities.

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