Radiation Therapy's Crucial Function in the Treatment of Breast Cancer

News Desk, News Nation 360 : One of the most prevalent malignancies impacting women globally is breast cancer. Both early-stage and advanced breast cancer benefit greatly from radiation therapy. Its main purpose is to use high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells, which helps patients with advanced cancer control their symptoms and lower their chance of recurrence. Dr.  Akanksha  Anup, Associate Consultant, Radiation Oncology, Narayana Hospital, RN Tagore Hospital, Mukandapur, has discussed about this. Radiation therapy is an outpatient procedure with high-energy rays, such as X-rays, that kill cancer cells in a localised region, attempting to spare normal tissue. For the treatment of breast cancer, it is commonly applied in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy to enhance effectiveness. Radiation therapy is advised following breast-conserving surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence of cancer or following a mastectomy if the cancer was extensive, involved lymph nodes, or present at surgical margins. In metastatic breast cancer, it is used to manage pain and symptoms. Before treatment, patients undergo a CT simulation for accurate planning, during which markings can be placed on the skin to assist in the process. Treatment is administered via a linear accelerator and is normally painless, although positioning may be time-consuming. Sessions are supervised, and communication is facilitated through an intercom. Side effects are normal and may consist of skin irritation (dryness, redness), which can be alleviated by staying away from cosmetics, dressing loosely, and applying emollient creams such as hyaluronic acid. Difficulty in swallowing can occur if the throat is involved; avoiding spicy/oily foods, taking small, frequent meals, and taking painkillers can help. Breast swelling and heaviness are also usual, treatable by breast massage and pain medications as required after treatment is completed. With these generally temporary and tolerable side effects, radiation therapy plays a crucial role in preventing recurrences of cancer and symptom control, and most patients can resume their normal lives throughout the treatment process.

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