Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses X-rays (controlled doses of radiation) to destroy DCIS and cancer cells. Having radiotherapy after breast conserving surgery lowers the risk that DCIS will come back or invasive breast cancer will develop in the treated breast by destroying any DCIS cells that may be left in your breast.
When is radiotherapy used?
Your doctors will usually recommend that you have radiotherapy after breast conserving surgery. However, if the area of DCIS in your breast is very small and low grade (see page 7, DCIS - Understanding your diagnosis and treatment) the likelihood of DCIS coming back or invasive breast cancer developing is lower. In this case, your doctors might not recommend radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is not generally used aftermastectomy for DCIS.
Who manages radiotherapy treatment?
A radiation oncologist manages radiotherapy treatment. He/she will tell you about the benefits and risks of radiotherapy and answer your questions.
What can I expect if I have radiotherapy?
Usually you will start radiotherapy 8–12 weeks after surgery. Before you start radiotherapy, you will visit the radiotherapy centre, where your radiotherapy will be planned. Marks are put onto your skin so the radiation therapist knows where to direct the radiotherapy. These marks are small, and might be temporary, so you need to be careful not to wash them off during the treatment period. In some cases, the marks might be permanent (tattoo).
Once you start treatment, you will usually have radiotherapy once a day, 5 days a week (on weekdays), for 5–7 weeks. Although each treatment only lasts about a minute, you will probably be in the treatment room for about 10 minutes. You might need to wait for the treatment room to become available, and you will also need time to change your clothes.
Where will I go to have my radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy is available in some hospitals or specialised clinics in capital cities or major regional towns. Not all hospitals can provide radiotherapy. If you live outside a major city, some regional areas offer sessions with a visiting radiation oncologist who can discuss your treatment with you. Alternatively your GP or surgeon might discuss your treatment with the radiation oncologist on your behalf. However, you might need to travel to receive the radiotherapy.
See also side effects of radiotherapy and skin care during radiotherapy.
