Breast Cancer Treatment

Radiation Therapy

Radiation can shrink a tumor before surgery, or destroy cancer cells left behind in the breast, chest wall, or armpit after surgery. Radiation treatments usually take place for 5 days a week, for 6 to 8 weeks.

Side effects most likely to occur include: swelling and heaviness in the breast; sunburn-like skin changes in the treated area; and fatigue. Changes to the breast tissue and skin usually go away in 6 to 12 months. In some women, the breast becomes smaller and firmer after radiation therapy. Radiation therapy of axillary (armpit area) lymph nodes can also cause lymphedema.