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Contents
  • What is Adjuvant Radiation Therapy?
  • Benefits of Whole-Breast Radiation Therapy
  • Who Might Skip Radiation?

Is Adjuvant Radiation Therapy the Key to Beating Breast Cancer?

Is Adjuvant Radiation Therapy the Key to Beating Breast Cancer?

The Big Picture

Adjuvant radiation therapy aims to eliminate leftover cancer cells after surgery in breast cancer patients, reducing recurrence risks and boosting survival rates. This article explores the benefits and approaches of this therapy for women with non-metastatic breast cancer.
Contents
  • What is Adjuvant Radiation Therapy?
  • Benefits of Whole-Breast Radiation Therapy
  • Who Might Skip Radiation?

What is Adjuvant Radiation Therapy?

Adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) is a treatment given after surgery for breast cancer to target any remaining cancer cells. It's used for patients who undergo either breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy. The primary goal is to decrease the likelihood of cancer coming back in the breast area and improve survival rates. This therapy is a crucial part of the treatment plan for many women, but it comes with its own set of considerations.

Benefits of Whole-Breast Radiation Therapy

Whole-breast radiation therapy (WBRT) is often recommended after breast-conserving surgery. A major analysis found that WBRT cuts the risk of cancer recurrence by nearly half and reduces the chance of breast cancer death. While this therapy is mostly effective, it can cause side effects like skin irritation or more severe complications over time. Advances in radiation techniques are helping to minimize these risks.
Adjuvant radiation therapy is a treatment used after breast cancer surgery to target remaining cancer cells, reducing recurrence risks and improving survival rates.

Who Might Skip Radiation?

Some older women with specific types of breast cancer might be able to skip radiation therapy. Women over 65 with small, hormone receptor-positive, node-negative tumors who are on hormone therapy might not see significant survival benefits from radiation. However, the choice should be discussed with a doctor to weigh the benefits and risks.

FAQs

What is the goal of adjuvant radiation therapy?

It's to destroy any leftover cancer cells after surgery.

Who typically receives whole-breast radiation therapy?

Women who have had breast-conserving surgery.

Can older women skip radiation therapy?

Yes, if they have certain low-risk cancer types and are on hormone therapy.

What are common side effects of radiation therapy?

Skin irritation and potential long-term complications.

Wrapping Up

Could adjuvant radiation therapy be the missing piece in your breast cancer treatment plan?
Consider discussing with Doctronic if adjuvant radiation therapy is right for your breast cancer journey.
Additional References
  1. Early Breast Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group, Lancet 2011; 378:1707.
  2. Kunkler IH, Lancet Oncol 2015; 16:266.
  3. Taylor C, J Clin Oncol 2017.
  4. Meric F, Ann Surg Oncol 2002; 9:543.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.