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Radiation for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Table of Contents

Treatment Overview

External beam radiation therapy uses doses of radiation to kill cancer cells. A beam of radiation is aimed at the tumor from outside the body. This treatment is given to most people with early-stage breast cancer who choose breast-conserving surgery such as lumpectomy.

How long the treatment takes

Many people with early breast cancers are treated with radiation 5 days a week for about 3 weeks. This treatment schedule is called "hypofractionated." Some people are treated for a longer period of time. Talk with your doctor about which schedule is right for you. It will depend on:

Why It Is Done

Radiation therapy is used to destroy any trace of cancer cells that might remain in the body after surgery. It is given to most people with early-stage breast cancer who choose breast-conserving surgery such as lumpectomy. It may also be given after a mastectomy if there's a high risk of the cancer coming back.

How Well It Works

Radiation therapy works well to keep cancer from coming back in early-stage breast cancer.

Risks

External beam radiation works well to destroy cancer cells, but it can also harm normal cells. This can lead to side effects.

The most common short-term side effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer are:

Most short-term side effects will go away within a few weeks after you finish treatment. But it may take longer to get your energy back.

Some side effects may occur months or years after radiation therapy. These long-term side effects may include:

Credits for Radiation for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Current as of: October 25, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
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The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.