Department of Radiotherapy ❯ Cancer Sites ❯ Breast

Radiation therapy procedures
Usually three to four weeks after breast surgery or after completion of chemotherapy, the patient is ready for radiation therapy. Before the start of treatment, the patient will undergo radiation therapy planning procedures in our department. The patient will be positioned on an immobilization device with both arms raised using supports. Then the patient will undergo a planning Computed Tomography (CT) scan with the immobilization device. Ink marks will be marked on their skin. Be aware that the markings on the skin will be used by radiation therapists later as a guide to focus the radiation on the treatment area.

The radiation oncologist and radiation therapists will use the CT images to create an individualized radiation therapy treatment plan for the patient. Once the treatment plan is approved by oncologist and has passed all the physics quality assurance procedures, the patient will be ready to start the treatment. The treatment is delivered daily. There is typically around 25 to 30 treatments depending on the treatment plan. It usually lasts for a period of 5 to 6 weeks.

External radiation therapy is much like getting an X-ray, but with a higher energy. The procedure itself is painless. Each treatment varies from a few minutes to 30 minutes, in addition to the time it takes for positioning and image verification.

There are many possible treatment techniques that can be employed for the treatment of breast cancer. The treatment technique will depend on many factors and the best technique for the patient will be decided by the oncologist. Click here for details on the possible treatment techniques and the price of radiotherapy treatment.

Possible side effects during radiation therapy
The side effects of radiation therapy are limited to the treatment area. Each individual will have a unique experience of side effects. These side effects vary from patient to patient and also with the type and location of tumour, treatment dose, and the individual's general health. The severity and occurrence of side effects depend on:

• Areas of the body being treated
• The type of radiation used
• The prescribed dose
• The patient’s general health

During the course of radiation treatment, the oncologist, nurse and radiation therapists will provide specific instructions in managing these side effects in order to minimize the impact on patients' quality of life.

Acute side effects

• Skin reaction
  The skin in the treatment area will react over time to radiation similar to a sunburn.
• Fatigue
  The feeling of tiredness will begin to start about two weeks into treatment and last until a few weeks after treatment.
• Arm swelling
  Lymphatic drainage can be affected by radiation and lymphatic fluid can build up in the arms and treatment area over time during treatment.
• Chest discomfort
  Discomfort can be felt during radiation treatment caused by previous surgery or also by swelling from the radiation.