How Radiation Therapy Can Help Treat Breast Cancer
Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, which either kills the cells or stops them from growing. Radiation therapy can be delivered externally, called external beam radiation therapy, or internally, called brachytherapy.
External beam radiation therapy is a type of radiation therapy where a machine delivers a beam of high-energy radiation to the cancer cells in the breast. The treatment is usually given over several weeks, with each session lasting only a few minutes.
Brachytherapy, on the other hand, is a type of radiation therapy where a source of radiation is placed inside the breast near the cancer cells. The radiation source is usually left in place for a few days, and then removed.
Radiation therapy is often used with surgery to treat breast cancer. In some cases, it is used before surgery to shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove. This is called neoadjuvant radiation therapy. Radiation therapy can also be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and lower the risk of the cancer coming back. This is called adjuvant radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy can also be used in combination with chemotherapy to treat breast cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy work in different ways to kill cancer cells, and using them together can help improve the effectiveness of the treatment.
While radiation therapy is a powerful tool for treating breast cancer, it does have some side effects. These can include skin irritation, fatigue, and changes to the breast tissue. However, these side effects can usually be managed with medication or changes to the treatment plan.
In conclusion, radiation therapy is an important treatment option for breast cancer patients. With the ability to target cancer cells directly, radiation therapy can be used in combination with surgery and chemotherapy to provide the best possible outcomes. While it does come with some side effects, these can usually be managed with medication or changes to the treatment plan. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer, talk to your healthcare provider about whether radiation therapy is an appropriate treatment option.