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Radiation to breast

Radiation to the breast lasts approximately five to seven weeks. The whole breast is included in the treatment field. In some instances, after several weeks of treatment, the radiation is concentrated to the original site of the cancer. This is called boost radiation and usually lasts only one or two weeks.

Side effects:

Side effects of radiation treatment to the breast do not begin immediately. Usually, after two or three weeks of treatment, the patient will experience some sort of redness or itchiness over the skin of the breast. Various creams or lotions can be prescribed by the radiation oncologist in order to minimize this symptom. Patients should not place any powders or lotions on the breast unless instructed by the radiation oncologist.

Another side effect from breast radiation is tiredness. This is usually very mild and then it becomes more prominent during the last few weeks of treatment. This side effect, like the skin redness, is completely reversible and will fade over the subsequent weeks.