What Is Radiotherapy?

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Radiotherapy is a treatment that uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. Cancer cells are more sensitive to radiation than normal cells, allowing healthy tissue to recover between treatments while cancer cells are less able to repair.

 

In breast cancer, radiotherapy is most often given to the breast, chest wall, or nearby lymph nodes after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer returning in that area. In certain situations, it may be used instead of surgery to treat the breast or lymph node region.

 

At Breast & Wellness, all radiotherapy treatment plans are developed in collaboration with experienced radiation oncologists, ensuring precision, safety, and personalised care.

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How Is Radiotherapy Given?

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Treatment is usually delivered daily (Monday to Friday) over three to six weeks, depending on your diagnosis and treatment plan.

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Planning Session

 

Your first visit is a planning appointment, where your individualised treatment plan is created.

 

• A CT scan of your chest is performed while you lie in the treatment position.

• Small skin markings (tattoos), about the size of a pinhead, may be applied to guide positioning.

• The radiation oncologist, radiation therapist, and medical physicist carefully design your plan to target the treatment area while protecting the heart, lungs, and skin.

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This session usually takes about 30 minutes.

 

 

Treatment Sessions

 

• Radiotherapy is delivered by a specialised machine called a linear accelerator.

• Each session takes only five minutes, though you will be in the treatment room for about 10–15 minutes for positioning.

• You will not feel or see the radiation during treatment.

• Treatment is painless, and you can safely be with family and children before and after each session.

 

 

Your doctor or breast care nurse will review your progress weekly during treatment to monitor your skin, manage side effects, and answer any questions.

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Will I Feel Anything?

 

 

You will not feel pain or heat during treatment. The machine may make a humming or clicking sound. You will need to lie still and follow breathing instructions when asked.

You are not radioactive, and it is completely safe to interact normally with others after each session.

 

How Will It Affect Daily Life?

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Most people continue their usual activities during radiotherapy.

 

• If you live nearby, you may be able to continue working.

• Fatigue may increase over the course of treatment, especially if you travel long distances or have had previous chemotherapy.

• Loose, comfortable clothing and a two-piece outfit (top and skirt or trousers) are recommended.

• You may eat and drink normally, including alcohol in moderation.

• Continue your regular medications unless advised otherwise.

• Avoid becoming pregnant during treatment and use reliable contraception.

 

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Common Side Effects

 

Most side effects are temporary and can be well managed.

 

During Treatment:

 

• Skin redness or irritation – usually mild, starting in week 2–3. Use sorbolene or prescribed cream to keep skin comfortable.

• Tiredness – may develop gradually and can last for several weeks.

• Mild breast discomfort or twinges – common and usually resolve on their own.

• Underarm hair loss – occurs if the armpit area is treated.

• Sore throat – if treatment includes lymph nodes near the collarbone.

 

 

After Treatment:

 

• Temporary firmness or swelling of the treated breast.

• Mild colour or texture changes in the skin or nipple.

• Occasional mild discomfort that improves over time.

 

 

Uncommon or Rare Effects:

 

• Skin peeling or blistering, particularly under the breast or arm crease — heals within 1–2 weeks.

• Rib tenderness or fracture (rare, <1%).

• Inflammation of lung tissue (rare, 1–2%) — causes cough or shortness of breath and can be treated with medication.

• Heart exposure — carefully minimised by modern CT-based planning.

• Very rare secondary cancers (1 in 5,000–10,000).

 

Skin Care During Radiotherapy

 

 

Taking care of the treated skin reduces irritation and speeds recovery:

 

• Wash gently with warm water and mild soap (e.g. Dove®, Pears®, or Johnson’s Baby Soap®).

• Pat dry — do not rub.

• Apply sorbolene cream or a prescribed moisturiser daily.

• Avoid perfumes, deodorants with alcohol, or harsh creams.

• Do not shave the underarm with a razor; use an electric shaver instead.

• Avoid tight clothing or underwire bras — choose soft, cotton fabrics.

• Avoid direct sun exposure on the treated area; use SPF 50+ and cover with clothing.

• Do not apply heat or ice packs.

• Avoid chlorinated pools until skin is fully healed.

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Most skin reactions settle within two weeks after treatment. Normal skincare routines can then be resumed.

 

 

Long-Term Results and Follow-Up

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After radiotherapy, the treated breast may feel slightly firmer or smaller. This is a normal part of healing.

Regular follow-up appointments monitor skin recovery and ensure there are no late effects.

 

If you notice new pain, swelling, or cough in the months following treatment, contact your doctor for review.

 

 

 

Support and Contact

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At Breast & Wellness, your care team — including your radiation oncologist, therapist, and breast care nurse — is available to support you through every stage of treatment.

Please reach out to your care team with any concerns or side effects. Emotional and practical support services are also available for patients and families.

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Key Points

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• Radiotherapy targets cancer cells while protecting normal tissue.

• Treatment is painless and delivered daily for 3–6 weeks.

• Common side effects include mild skin irritation and fatigue.

• Careful planning ensures minimal risk to the heart and lungs.

• The team at Breast & Wellness provides personalised support throughout your treatment.

 

 

 

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