Radiation for Breast Cancer: What Are the Side Effects?

Radiation for Breast Cancer: What Are the Side Effects?

Pamela Bandelaria |Apr 1, 2021

Side Effects of Radiation for Breast Cancer

Around 13% of women in the United States will develop an aggressive form of breast cancer. Although this looks alarming, breast cancer can be treated in many ways. Radiation therapy is one of them, but there are side effects of radiation for breast cancer. What is radiation therapy, and is it effective and safe? This article will explain what it is, why it is used to help treat breast cancer, what the most common side effects are, and how you can manage them.

What is Breast Cancer?

Cancer is a disease wherein the cells lose regulations in cell division and continuously replicate. This uncontrolled growth and division of cells form a mass which is known as a tumor. Breast cancer occurs when these abnormal cells are found in the breast. The most common cells affected are the lining of the milk ducts. Usually, a mass is felt in the breast, but invasive breast cancer can spread through the blood or the lymphatic system and be transported throughout the body. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. It is second to lung cancer as the highest cause of cancer-related death among women.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

Changes in how the breasts look and feel are important in identifying breast cancer. These changes could look like this:

  • Breast lump
  • Changes in breast size or shape
  • Breast swelling or pain
  • Dimpling of the skin in or around the breast (resembles an orange peel)
  • Changes in the nipple (inward turning of the nipple, nipple that is dry or flaky, nipple discharge, nipple pain)
  • Lymph nodes that are swollen or painful

Having these symptoms does not automatically point to breast cancer. However, when these are encountered, it is important to see a doctor right away to have them evaluated. Checking for symptoms also does not replace routine screening for breast cancer, especially for high-risk populations.

Treatment for Breast Cancer

There are many options to treat breast cancer, depending on the type and severity of the cancer. As some forms of breast cancer are very aggressive and invasive, treatment usually consists of combining different treatment options. These include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy. It all depends on the stage and invasiveness of the cancer. For some forms, conservative surgery may be done first, followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy or hormonal therapy.

What is Radiation?

Radiation is energy produced and released from electromagnetic waves or subatomic particles. Radiation therapy works by preventing cancer cells from dividing and multiplying. It exposes cells to high-energy rays, which can either directly kill the cells or result in genetic changes that can cause cell death.

Radiation therapy for breast cancer is done in various areas. Radiation can be performed in the breast, chest, underarm area, and above or below the collarbone. It is regularly done in short courses for over 3 to 4 weeks or sometimes longer. It is also usually done along with hormonal therapy.

Why is Radiation Used to Help Treat Breast Cancer?

Radiation therapy is an important addition to the treatment of breast cancer. After surgery, it decreases the rate of cancer recurrence, the chance of complications and death, and improves patients' chances of survival. It is also a good treatment option as breast-conserving therapy. After conservative surgery, which can still preserve the breast, radiation therapy helps with local control of spread.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Radiation?

Radiation therapy is beneficial to patients with breast cancer. It is non-invasive and preserves the structure of the breast. However, every treatment has its side effects. Side effects of radiation vary, and some may be immediately evident while others take time to manifest. It is important to know about the side effects to be able to make an informed decision before therapy.

Some side effects may be immediately noticeable weeks after starting treatment. These include breast pain or discomfort. It can become itchy, red, and peel like it was sunburnt. Another side effect is fatigue, feeling weak or tired, and lacking energy. This usually begins after radiation treatment and can last for months after the treatment ends. Fatigue can also lead to sleeping problems such as insomnia.

More long-term side effects include discoloration of the breast and changes in the size of the breast, becoming smaller over time. Swelling of the breast, back, or chest area can also occur due to the accumulation of fluid in the arms. This condition is called lymphedema and occurs if radiation therapy includes the lymph nodes in the underarm area or above the collarbone.

How to Manage the Side Effects of Radiation

Despite radiation therapy having side effects, there are ways by which we can alleviate them. Some are simple remedies, while others may need the evaluation and help of a doctor. For breast soreness or pain, common pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be helpful. If the breast becomes red, itchy, or beings peeling, some creams can be used for relief.

Exercising and getting enough sleep can help combat fatigue. Short, simple exercises such as walking for 20 to 30 minutes per day can help alleviate this side effect. If fatigue or sleeping problems persist or lymphedema is evident, a doctor can help manage them.

Breast cancer is a very challenging illness, but we have many treatment options for people with it. Remember, no treatment is without side effects. It is crucial to be aware of these treatment options and their side effects to give the best management for every person.

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Cassidy Anthony | April 1, 2021

How to Get Better Sleep Many people struggle with sleep disorders like hypersomnia and narcolepsy. Thankfully, treatment options like Xywav exist to help manage consistent, healthy sleep patterns. In this article we're looking at five different ways on how to get better sleep, and breaking each one down. 1. Prescription Medications for Sleep Disorders Certain medications are specifically designed to help regulate sleep patterns and address various sleep disorders. These options can be helpful for those who have severe insomnia or issues like narcolepsy: Xywav: Known for its role in managing excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy, Xywav has proven effective in promoting restful sleep. It works by helping to regulate the brain's sleep-wake cycle and is especially beneficial for those with disorders causing fragmented sleep. Ambien: Commonly prescribed for short-term insomnia, Ambien assists with falling asleep faster. Lunesta: Lunesta is meant for short-term treatment of insomnia, helping those who struggle to fall and stay asleep. Belsomra: Belsomra works by blocking orexin, a neurotransmitter involved in wakefulness. It’s effective for people who have difficulty staying asleep and often provides a gentle, non-habit-forming solution. 2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, also known as CBT-I, is a non-drug approach to addressing chronic insomnia. The therapy involves working with a therapist to address thoughts and behaviors that interfere with sleep. Techniques used in CBT-I include: Sleep restriction therapy: Sleep restriction therapy limits the time spent in bed to create a stronger association between bed and sleep. Stimulus control therapy: Stimulus control therapy involves finding activities that promote a restful mindset in the bedroom, such as avoiding screens before bed and not working in the bedroom. Cognitive restructuring: Cognitive restructuring helps individuals shift thoughts from sleep anxiety to positive associations with bedtime, ultimately leading to a better night of sleep. [youmaylike] 3. Lifestyle Adjustments to Improve Sleep Quality While this might seem simple, adopting healthier sleep habits can play a substantial role in enhancing sleep quality. Some essential tips include: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time daily helps regulate the body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine: Engaging in calming activities, such as reading or taking a warm bath before bed, can cue the body for sleep. Exercising regularly: Physical activity, especially in the morning or early afternoon, can improve sleep quality. Avoiding stimulants: Steering clear of caffeine, nicotine and big meals in the hours leading up to bedtime can help promote restful sleep. 4. Natural Supplements for Sleep Support For those looking for natural remedies, several supplements have shown promise in promoting better sleep. Some common supplements for sleep support include: Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin supplements can be particularly useful for those dealing with jet lag or unpredictable and late work schedules. Valerian root: Known for its calming properties, valerian root is believed to play a hand in reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality. Magnesium: This mineral plays a role in muscle relaxation and nervous system regulation, helping to alleviate sleep disturbances caused by tension and stress. Lavender: Either as an essential oil or supplement, lavender has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality, especially when diffused in the bedroom or taken in small doses before bed. 5. Improving Sleep Hygiene Good sleep hygiene can make a world of difference for those struggling with sleep quality. Sleep hygiene practices include: Limiting screen exposure: The blue light emitted from screens can suppress melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Consider limiting screen time at least an hour before bed. Using blackout curtains: Blocking out light from outside sources creates a darker environment that can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep through the night. Keeping the bedroom cool: A slightly cool room temperature is optimal for sleep, as it encourages the body’s natural drop in temperature needed for sleep onset.

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Staff Writer | April 1, 2021

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3 Lung Cancer Treatments

Staff Writer | April 1, 2021

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