Radiotherapy uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells or to stop them from growing and dividing. Because radiation therapy targets the tumor, there is usually less damage to healthy cells.
External radiation radiotherapy is most often used to treat breast cancer. Short-range radiation therapy, on the other hand, delivers radiation to the cancer site through an implant that is placed into the body.
Which patients can receive radiation therapy?
Your doctor may recommend radiation therapy after a mastectomy (breast-conserving surgery) or after a mastectomy to reduce the chance of the cancer coming back. Patients may also receive radiation therapy to treat some of the symptoms of advanced cancer.
Treatment usually starts a few weeks after surgery, so the body has some time to recover. If your doctor recommends chemotherapy as well, you can start it first.
External radiation radiotherapy
How is radiation therapy administered?
The doctor will make small marks and stickers on the area of the patient’s skin that will be treated. Do not try to wash these markings off or repaint them after they have faded. The radiation therapist will re-mark if needed.
While undergoing treatment, the physician will accompany the patient into the treatment room, help with proper positioning, and then will leave and begin treatment.
The patient must remain still and relaxed. The physician can contact the patient via monitor and intercom and should tell the physician immediately if there are concerns.
The doctor may go in and out of the treatment room to reposition the machine and the patient’s body without the machine touching the patient and without the treatment itself causing harm.
What are the side effects?
The radiation penetrates the skin, which can become red, swollen, hot and sensitive, like a sunburn, and may become wet and soft. Depending on the dose, you may also lose hair or sweat less when receiving treatment.
These skin reactions are common and short-term. They usually fade after 4 to 6 weeks after the last treatment. If you notice skin changes on the outside of the treated area, you should tell your doctor or nurse.
Long-term side effects can last more than 1 year after treatment is completed and may include darkening of the skin, enlargement of breast pores, varying degrees of skin sensitivity, thickening of breast tissue or skin, and changes in breast size.
A rare complication of radiation therapy is a new cancer or tumor at the site of radiation therapy, and your doctor can be consulted about this risk.
How to deal with skin reactions?
- Gently rinse the treated area with warm water and mild soap, but do not scrub the skin hard. Pat dry with a soft towel or use a hair dryer to dry with cool air.
- Do not scrape or scrub the treatment area. If shaving is necessary, use an electric razor. No medical tape or bandages should be used.
- No ointments, creams, lotions or powders, including cosmetics, hair removal creams, perfumes and deodorants, should be applied unless prescribed by a physician or nurse.
- Choose clothing made of natural fibers such as cotton rather than coarse fiber fabrics such as tights, wool, or corduroy.
- Avoid excessive heat or cold, and do not use electric blankets, hot water bottles, or ice packs while receiving radiation therapy.
- Avoid direct sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., even after treatment is completed. Sunlight can aggravate skin reactions and cause severe sunburn. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved T-shirt, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Short radiation therapy
The doctor will place radioactive particles or pellets the size of a rice grain next to the lesion in the breast. The suitability of this treatment depends on the size and location of the tumor, among other factors.
Side effects include redness, bruising, breast pain, infection, weakness, and increased risk of rib fractures.
Short-range radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with external radiation.
How do I take care of myself during treatment?
Radiotherapy affects each person differently. The following suggestions can be used to keep your energy levels up during radiation therapy.
- Maintain adequate rest.
- Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet.
- Self-regulate and plan for multiple rest cycles.
Good nutrition helps overcome side effects, speeds healing, and fights infection. It can also lead to feeling healthy. If it is difficult to eat, consult a dietitian to determine the nutrition needed.
Many people will feel fatigue after a few weeks of treatment. In most cases, the symptoms are mild. However, some people will feel more tired and may need to change their daily schedule. If the doctor thinks activity should be limited, the patient will be informed.
What else should I do after radiation therapy?
After radiation therapy, you will usually need to see your doctor regularly for follow-up exams and X-rays. Your doctor will tell you how often to do this.