CureRays
Breast Cancer Guide

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for breast cancer that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. The side effects of radiation therapy can vary depending on the individual patient and the type of radiation used, but some common side effects are typically experienced.

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Week 1:

During the first week of radiation therapy, patients may experience little to no side effects, but some may experience mild skin irritation, slight fatigue, or redness in the treated area.

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Week 2-3:

By the second and third week of radiation therapy, patients may experience more significant skin irritation, redness, and itching in the treated area. More prominent fatigue may also start to set in.

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Week 4-5:

During the fourth and fifth weeks of radiation therapy, the skin irritation may become more severe, with blisters, peeling, and dryness. Patients may also experience fatigue, swelling of the breast, and mild to moderate pain. Esophagitis is there is regional nodal irradiation.

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Week 6-7:

A sixth and seventh week of radiation therapy are rare in breast cancer and may bring further skin irritation and fatigue, as well as a decrease in appetite, esophagitis, and possible weight loss.

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Patients need to communicate with their healthcare provider about any side effects they experience during radiation therapy so that they can be managed effectively.