Breast cancer radiotherapy uses targeted radiation to treat the breast, chest wall, or nearby lymph node areas. It is commonly given after breast surgery to reduce the chance of cancer returning locally.
Your plan depends on the type of surgery you had, your pathology result, and whether lymph nodes were involved.
01 · Understand the examination
About this scan
Common Indications for Breast Cancer Radiotherapy
Your doctor may recommend it after:
- Lumpectomy or breast-conserving surgery.
- Mastectomy in higher-risk cases.
- Cancer found in lymph nodes.
- Large tumour size.
- Close or involved surgical margins.
- Selected cases where symptoms need control.
Do I need to stop taking medication?
Usually no. Keep taking your regular medicines unless your doctor gives a different instruction.
Is there any discomfort?
The treatment is painless. The arm position can be uncomfortable if your shoulder is stiff after surgery.
Are there risks?
Common side effects include tiredness, skin darkening or soreness, breast swelling, and tenderness. Rarely, treatment can affect the lung, heart, ribs, or arm swelling risk, depending on the area treated.
When will I be reviewed?
You will usually have checks during treatment and follow-up after it ends. Skin changes can continue for a short time after the last session before they settle.
02 · Plan ahead
Before your appointment
What exactly does breast radiotherapy treat?
It treats the area at risk of leftover cancer cells. This may be the whole breast, part of the breast, the chest wall, or lymph node areas near the armpit, collarbone, or chest.
How should I prepare?
You will have a planning appointment. Wear clothing that is easy to remove from the upper body. Tell the team if you cannot raise your arm comfortably.
What happens when I arrive for treatment?
The radiographers position you carefully, often lying on your back with one or both arms raised. They line up your marks and may take setup images.
How is the treatment performed?
The machine treats the planned breast or chest area from carefully chosen angles. It does not touch you, and you will not feel the radiation.
03 · On the day
During the scan
How long does breast radiotherapy take?
Each visit may take about 10 to 30 minutes. The full course can range from one week to several weeks, depending on your plan.
04 · Important exceptions
Safety and special situations
Can I have this treatment if I am pregnant?
05 · Know the red flags
When to seek urgent help
When should I contact the team urgently?
Contact the team promptly for fever with a worsening wound, rapidly increasing breast or arm swelling, severe skin breakdown, chest pain, or new or worsening breathlessness. Seek emergency care for severe chest pain or breathing difficulty.
06 · Learn more
Sources and summary
Sources and further reading
Conclusion
Breast radiotherapy is a common part of breast cancer care after surgery. Tell the team early about skin pain, shoulder stiffness, swelling, or any wound problem before treatment starts.