Radiotherapy is an x-ray treatment, usually given after surgery to destroy any remaining cells in the breast/chest area that if left untreated, could go on to cause a problem in a few years time. Radiotherapy is given using specialist machines.
It usually starts some weeks after surgery to allow the wounds to heal. If you’re also having chemotherapy after surgery, radiotherapy is usually given after the chemotherapy.
Please click below for more information on radiotherapy from Breast Cancer Now including common side effects and how to manage them.
Radiotherapy for primary breast cancer (Breast Cancer Now website)
Occasionally radiotherapy can be given at the time of surgery. This is known as intraoperative radiotherapy (or ‘IORT’). This will be discussed if suitable for you.
