One common and effective treatment for breast cancer is radiation therapy. However, it does have some side effects. Show A doctor may recommend radiation therapy in combination with other treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy. There are two main types of radiation treatment:
The right treatment for breast cancer depends on many factors, including a person’s age and overall health. A doctor will help a person decide on the best option for them. Read on for more information about the short-term, long-term, and rare side effects of radiation for breast cancer. Short-term side effects occur during the treatment or directly afterward, usually within 6 months. Common short-term side effects include:
Long-term side effects occur months or years after treatment has ended. Long-term side effects can include:
Rare side effects of radiation can include:
The benefits of having radiation therapy for breast cancer outweigh the risks. However, the side effects can be uncomfortable. Asking friends and family to help with everyday activities during treatment can help a person accommodate some common side effects, such as fatigue. Using heating pads and ice packs may help a person cope with pain and soreness following radiation therapy. Wearing loose clothing and applying an unscented moisturizer can help reduce discomfort caused by skin changes. To reduce stress and fight fatigue, a person can also try:
It is crucial to report any side effects to a doctor or nurse, especially if a person is experiencing them for the first time. Radiation therapy can be a very effective treatment for breast cancer. A person should expect some side effects, but most will be mild and resolve over time. It is essential to communicate any side effects to the medical team, to ensure that a person is not experiencing a symptom of something more serious. If side effects are impacting a person’s quality of life, they should speak to a doctor, who may be able to recommend ways to reduce discomfort. Read this article in Spanish. What are the long term side effects of radiation for breast cancer?Scaring from radiotherapy may cause nerve damage in the arm on the treated side. This can develop many years after your treatment. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, pain, and weakness. In some people, it may cause some loss of movement in the arm and shoulder.
What is the most common acute side effect of radiation treatment?The most common early side effects are fatigue (feeling tired) and skin changes. Other early side effects usually are related to the area being treated, such as hair loss and mouth problems when radiation treatment is given to this area. Late side effects can take months or even years to develop.
How soon after breast radiation do side effects start?Most often, side effects from radiation therapy begin within a few weeks after starting treatment [10]. Once radiation therapy ends, short-term side effects will mostly go away within 2 weeks [10].
How long does it take to recover from radiation therapy for breast cancer?You may start to notice side effects about 2 weeks after you start radiation therapy. They may get worse during your radiation therapy, but they'll slowly get better over 6 to 8 weeks after your last treatment. Some side effects may take longer to go away.
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