Breast Cancer Radiation Side Effects: Advanced Radiation Centers of New York

Technological advances in radiation therapy now allow the Radiation Oncologists at Advanced Radiation Centers of New York to treat patients with doses of radiation which maximize cure rates, while minimizing toxicity to the patient and lessening side-effects. Side-effects of radiation are due to damage or irritation to the normal, healthy tissues. Using technologies such as Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Breast Balloon Brachytherapy will significantly reduce the radiation dose to these normal, non-cancerous tissues because they are so precise that they avoid the normal tissue as they pinpoint the tumor more properly.

During a course of external beam radiation the Advanced Radiation Centers Radiation Oncologist and nursing staff will monitor you closely for any side effects. However, no side effects are expected to occur in the first few days or even weeks of treatment. Since the effects of radiation are cumulative, it may not be until the third, fourth or fifth week until some women notice side-effects which can include:

- skin discoloration, including redness

- skin irritation causing a rash, itching, or peeling

- tiredness or fatigue

- slight breast heaviness or swelling

Keep in mind that these acute side effect (i.e. the ones that can occur during a course of treatment), will begin to go away after treatment is completed and are expected to fully resolve. Precautions to take during your radiation to minimize these side effects include: using special creams or salves, limiting razor shaving under the armpit of the treated side, and using special and/or natural anti-perspirants, which do not contain aluminum or metal oxides. Your Radiation Oncologist and nursing staff at ARC will review all of these precautions with you.

Side effects from Balloon Brachytherapy are similar to those of external beam radiation, but on average there is less skin sensitivity, redness and peeling. Since this treatment occurs over a shorter period of time, side effects can occur toward the end of the treatment period through the week or two following.

Your Radiation Oncologist will discuss with you all of the side effects, risks and benefits to your particular treatment.

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Side Effects of Breast Cancer Radiation