Long Term Side Effects Of Radiation Therapy For Breast Cancer

Concern over long term side effects of radiation therapy is becoming more common as survival rates improve.

Long term side effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer. Long term changes to the breast. If your doctor recommends radiation there is a chance you will experience both short term and long term side effects as with any treatment. Learn more about possible side effects. Long term side effects occur months or years after treatment has ended.

The skin may be more or less sensitive and feel thicker and firmer than it was before treatment. They may include a slight darkening of your skin enlarged pores on your breast more or less sensitive skin thickening of breast tissue. Many people who get radiation therapy experience fatigue. Other side effects depend on the part of the body that is being treated.

Just as there can be long term side effects of chemotherapy radiation therapy may result in side effects that may begin and linger far after treatment has been completed these can include heart problems lung problems thyroid problems secondary cancers and more but it s important. Wednesday march 13 healthday news radiation treatment for breast cancer given after breast conserving surgery and sometimes after mastectomy is known to reduce the risk of the cancer. This may include surgery like a lumpectomy or mastectomy hormone therapy chemo therapy or radiation also called radiotherapy. Radiation therapy may cause long term changes in the breast.

Your skin may be slightly darker and pores may be larger and more noticeable. In rare cases radiation therapy to the breast can cause a second cancer. Radiation therapy has side effects because it not only kills or slows the growth of cancer cells it can also affect nearby healthy cells. The breasts may shrink or become more dense after radiation some women.

Long term side effects can last beyond a year after treatment. Radiation therapy and risk of a second cancer.