Side Effects To Radiation Therapy For Breast Cancer

Radiation not only kills or slows the growth of cancer cells it can also affect nearby healthy cells.

Side effects to radiation therapy for breast cancer. Still if you do have fears about side effects it can take away your peace of mind. For women who are long term smokers radiation therapy may also increase the risk of lung cancer. Red swollen warm sensitive skin it might feel like you have a sunburn. Radiation therapy and risk of a second cancer.

What are the side effects of radiation for breast cancer. Side effects of external beam radiation depending on the dose and type you may notice these during treatment. In rare cases radiation therapy to the breast can cause a second cancer. Damage to healthy cells can cause side effects.

Long term side effects occur months or years after treatment has ended. Rapidly growing cells such as cancer cells are more susceptible to the effects of radiation therapy than are normal cells. Lowered white blood cell counts. The x rays or particles are painless and invisible.

It can happen all at once or come on slowly. Read about the how radiation affects the skin in the managing skin side effects pages. Many people who get radiation therapy have fatigue. Fatigue is feeling exhausted and worn out.

On these pages you can read about the kinds of side effects you may experience over the course of your radiation treatment.