The purpose of radiation is to kill cancer cells in a targeted way. With breast cancer, it is often used after surgery to kill off any cancer cells that may remain in the breast or surrounding area. But there are three main areas of debate about radiation – all with the focus of reducing side effects while maximizing outcomes, says Dr. Chirag Shah, Director of Breast Radiation Oncology at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center. There’s the question of whether to radiate the whole breast versus partial breast radiation, there’s debate about whether some patients even need radiation at all, and there’s debate about which radiation techniques offer the best outcomes with the least side effects.
The Debates Around Radiation for Breast Cancer
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The Debates Around Radiation for Breast Cancer
The purpose of radiation is to kill cancer cells in a targeted way. With breast cancer, it is often used after surgery to kill off any cancer cells that may remain in the breast or surrounding area. But there are three main areas of debate about radiation – all with the focus of reducing side effects while maximizing outcomes, says Dr. Chirag Shah, Director of Breast Radiation Oncology at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center. There’s the question of whether to radiate the whole breast versus partial breast radiation, there’s debate about whether some patients even need radiation at all, and there’s debate about which radiation techniques offer the best outcomes with the least side effects.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
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Treatment: Surgical Options
A mastectomy involves removing the breast – a treatment route many patients with breast cancer feel they will have no choice but to undergo. But it’s not the only surgical option.
Treatment: Stage Zero Breast Cancer
Treatment: Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
Treatment: Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Treatment: HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
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Treatment: Lymphedema
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