Side Effects Of Chemo And Radiation For Breast Cancer

It uses the same machine with lower amounts of radiation aimed at the tumor bed.

Side effects of chemo and radiation for breast cancer. Early and late effects of radiation therapy. Not everyone experiences side effects of radiation. Several weeks after treatment ends the side effects typically go away. Radiation therapy has side effects because it not only kills or slows the growth of cancer cells it can also affect nearby healthy cells.

However you may lose some hair under your arm or on the breast or chest area getting radiation this may be a concern for some men with breast cancer. Radiation therapy treats cancer by using high energy waves to kill tumor cells. Just as the benefits of radiation are gradual you ll usually see a gradual onset of side effects. This treatment can cause side.

Most women don t notice different side effects from boost radiation than from whole breast radiation. They re usually gone within a few weeks after treatment ends. Breast cancer treatments include surgery chemotherapy radiation hormonal therapies and more. Rare short or long term side effects although rare with modern treatment the side effects below may occur a few months or years after radiation therapy.

The goal is to destroy or damage the cancer without hurting too many healthy cells. Many people who get radiation therapy experience fatigue. The most common early side effects are fatigue feeling tired and skin changes. But by being ready for these reactions and responding quickly you and your doctor can minimize their effect on your life.

Other side effects depend on the part of the body that is being treated. Treatments can cause a variety of side effects from nausea and hot flashes to hair loss and joint pain. These side effects tend to be short term mild and treatable. Radiation can be an effective treatment for breast cancer but it does have side effects.

Learn more about possible side effects. Early side effects happen during or shortly after treatment.