Table of Contents
Introduction
Did you know that breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, with 2.3 million women diagnosed annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)? While these numbers highlight its prevalence, advancements in treatments like radiation therapy have significantly improved survival rates and reduced recurrence risks.
Radiation therapy plays a pivotal role in breast cancer treatment, helping to target and destroy cancer cells effectively. In this article, we’ll explore how radiation therapy works, its benefits, and what to expect during treatment. For more information, visit Unio Specialty Care.
What Is Radiation Therapy and How Does It Work for Breast Cancer?
Radiation therapy is a type of treatment that uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. For breast cancer, radiation therapy is commonly used after surgery, such as a lumpectomy or mastectomy, to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. It can also be employed in advanced cases to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The treatment works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, making it impossible for them to divide and grow, ultimately leading to their destruction.
Why Is Radiation Therapy a Key Treatment Option for Breast Cancer?
Radiation therapy is a vital part of breast cancer treatment due to its ability to reduce recurrence and improve survival rates. Research shows that adding radiation after a lumpectomy, a procedure where only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue are removed can lower the risk of local recurrence by up to 70%. This approach, known as breast-conserving therapy (BCT), allows patients to preserve their natural breasts while still receiving adequate treatment.
Radiation therapy minimizes the chance of regrowth and enhances long-term outcomes by precisely targeting residual cancer cells. Its ability to improve survival while preserving breast tissue makes it a cornerstone of modern breast cancer care.
How Does Radiation Therapy Target Breast Cancer Cells?
Radiation therapy targets breast cancer cells by delivering high-energy beams, such as X-rays or proton beams, directly to the affected area. This precision destroys cancer cells while reducing side effects on surrounding healthy tissue. The process involves advanced imaging techniques, such as CT scans, to map the tumor and determine the exact area requiring treatment. Once the treatment area is identified, linear accelerators generate and deliver radiation beams in a controlled manner. These beams damage the DNA within cancer cells, preventing them from dividing.
Techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) further enhance accuracy by adjusting the intensity of the radiation for specific areas. This ensures cancer cells receive a higher dose while sparing nearby tissue.
What Are the Benefits of Radiation Therapy in Breast Cancer Treatment?
Radiation therapy has been shown to improve breast cancer survival rates, with studies indicating an increase in long-term survival when radiation is included in treatment plans. Following are some key benefits of radiation therapy:
- Reduced recurrence risk: Radiation therapy significantly lowers the chance of cancer returning in the treated area.
- Enhanced breast preservation: It enables breast-conserving therapy (BCT), allowing patients to avoid a mastectomy while achieving excellent outcomes.
- Symptom relief: In advanced cases, radiation helps alleviate pain and discomfort caused by cancer spreading to other areas.
- Minimally invasive treatment: Radiation therapy is non-invasive, with shorter recovery times than surgery.
What Should You Expect During Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer?
Radiation therapy for breast cancer is typically conducted over several weeks and involves a simple, well-organized process. Knowing what to expect can help reduce anxiety and ensure you’re prepared.
Here’s an overview:
- Planning: Imaging, like CT scans, maps the treatment area for precise targeting.
- Schedule: Sessions are held daily, Monday to Friday, for 4–6 weeks.
- Quick sessions: Each session takes 10–15 minutes, with radiation delivery lasting only a few minutes.
- Comfortable procedure: Radiation is painless, but mild side effects like skin irritation or fatigue may develop.
- Follow-up care: Your care team will track your progress and offer advice for managing side effects.
Are There Different Types of Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer?
There are several types of radiation therapy used to treat breast cancer, each tailored to the patient’s specific needs and stage of cancer. These methods allow for precise treatment while minimizing side effects.
Common types of radiation therapy include:
- External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is the most common form, in which high-energy X-rays are delivered from outside the body using a linear accelerator.
- Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): A more advanced form of EBRT that adjusts radiation intensity for greater accuracy and reduced side effects. This is less commonly used in breast cancers, due to increased low dose scatter to the lungs.
- Proton therapy: Uses proton beams instead of X-rays to target cancer cells, delivering energy directly to the tumor with minimal impact on surrounding tissue.
- Brachytherapy (internal radiation): Involves placing a radioactive source inside the breast tissue, often used after surgery for targeted treatment.
At Unio Specialty Care, we provide advanced radiation therapy options personalized to your unique needs.
Who Is a Candidate for Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy for breast cancer patients is commonly used to prevent recurrence after surgery or manage advanced cancer symptoms.
Candidates typically include:
- Patients undergoing breast-conserving therapy (BCT) after a lumpectomy.
- Individuals with lymph node involvement or high-risk tumors.
- Those with locally advanced breast cancer who require targeted treatment.
- Patients managing symptoms from metastatic breast cancer.
Your doctor will assess your medical history and cancer stage to determine if radiation therapy is right for you.
How Can Unio Specialty Care Treat You?
At Unio Specialty Care, we offer advanced breast cancer treatments, including cutting-edge radiation therapy designed to target cancer cells with precision. Our approach prioritizes personalized care, leveraging state-of-the-art technology and a patient-centered focus to deliver the best possible outcomes.
From diagnosis to treatment and recovery, our compassionate team provides expert guidance every step of the way—Trust Unio Specialty Care to support you in your journey to better health. Schedule an appointment or learn more at Unio Specialty Care.
- By: Unio Specialty Care, Published: 02/26/25
- Medically Reviewed By: Siavosh Vakilian, MD, FRCP(C), DABR – 1/27/25