Breast Cancer Radiation Side Effects

Breast cancer, as the name signifies, is a cancer that develops in the tissues of the breast. In majority of the cases, cancerous cells are developed in two parts, namely, lobular glands and ducts. The former secretes milk, while the latter supplies milk to the nipples. These cancerous tissues form lumps over a period of time, which is the main noticeable symptom for diagnosis. Breast cancer occurs in both men and women. However, the occurrence rate of male breast cancer is very low. As per statistics, breast cancer is the second leading cancer type next to lung cancer. Read more on:

• Breast Cancer Diagnosis
• Breast Cancer Symptoms

Being diagnosed with breast cancer is like a nightmare that no women would dare to want to hear. On the brighter side, if identified in the early breast cancer stages, it can be treated effectively. The physician prescribes the best treatment option for breast cancer based on the cancer type, stage, and overall health of the patient. Regarding breast cancer treatment, the alternatives are radiation, surgical procedure and medications that include chemotherapy and hormone therapy. Each of these treatment options have their own pros and cons. Let's discuss in brief about breast cancer radiation side effects.

Side Effects of Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy for breast cancer involves usage of high intensity energy beams for killing the cancerous cells. A radiation machine that generates energy beams is used for targeting the cancerous cells in the breast. This phenomenon is referred to as external beam radiation therapy. On the contrary, if radiation is generated by placing radioactive particles inside the body, then it is called brachytherapy or internal beam therapy.

The effectiveness of radiation therapy for killing cancer cells is more in the early stages. In case of breast cancer treatment in a late stage, the physician may recommend radiation therapy in association with surgical treatments. While speaking about breast cancer radiation side effects, a high energy beam used in radiation therapy affects the normal healthy cells, thus leading to a number of symptoms.

Some of the commonly reported breast cancer radiation therapy side effects are as follows:

• Loss of appetite is commonly observed among several patients who have undergone radiation therapy for breast cancer treatment.
• Nausea, dizziness and vomiting may be experienced in some patients immediately after therapy or after some days of the session.
• In most cancer patients, increased fatigue and weakness are prevalent even before subjecting to radiation therapy and after treatment.
• As the armpit is closer to radiation therapy site, it usually gets affected resulting in skin irritation, discomfort and inflammation.
• Another side effect of radiation therapy for breast cancer is mild to severe chest pain, which is resulted due to disturbance in the swelling and irritation of the nearby nerves.
• Skin problems, characterized by reddening, peeling and rashes are other adverse effects of breast cancer radiation therapy.

In addition, the body's immune system is weakened after breast cancer radiation therapy. Though it is a fact that breast cancer radiation side effects (to some extent) are evident in all patients who have received the treatment, they are usually tolerable. At times, patients report discomfort after radiation therapy only in the treatment site. In order to combat the breast cancer radiation therapy side effects, one should make healthy lifestyle changes like eating nutritious food and performing yoga, meditation and mild exercises. Read more on breast cancer nutrition.

Currently, breast cancer research is ongoing to find a more effective treatment approach with minimal side effects. In recent times, public awareness programs have also been implemented so as to make people more cognizant about the signs, symptoms and treatments of breast cancer. Positive results in terms of decrease in breast cancer rates are observed from all over the world.