Radiation therapy uses a type of x-ray to treat cancer. This radiation is the same as x-rays used to see broken bones, but is a higher energy x-ray. Radiation treatments use special machines and equipment. For this reason, in Northeastern Ontario, radiation therapy is only given at the Regional Cancer Program of the Sudbury Regional Hospital.
The radiation oncologist is a doctor who treats cancer with radiation. Before radiation is given, the radiation oncologist will talk to you about the treatment and possible side effects.
If you decide to have radiation therapy, the next visit will be to plan the treatment. The treatment plan is made just for you. Radiation is a “local” treatment. This means that radiation is given only to the area being treated. It is very important that the treatment is given in the exact same spot each time. Small permanent ink marks (tattoo) will be put on your skin to outline the treatment area. Sometimes other things like backrests are made to help position you for the treatments.
Radiation therapy is given from Monday to Friday. The radiation oncologist will decide the number of treatments needed depending on your cancer and other factors such as breast size. Treatment usually lasts 3 – 6 weeks. Each treatment takes between 15 – 30 minutes.
Common side effects from radiation therapy to the breast are:
- Fatigue
- Changes to the breast such as skin darkening, reddening, blistering,
dryness or moistness, feeling tender or hard.
Your radiation therapy team can help you manage these side effects and feel more comfortable.