Role of Radiation Therapy for Invasive and In Situ Breast Cancers
Radiation therapy is used as an adjuvant therapy after partial mastectomy (“lumpectomy”) and, in some circumstances, after mastectomy. It is also used in the treatment of locally advanced breast cancer and in the palliative treatment of breast cancer metastases.
Indications
Whole breast radiation therapy is recommended for almost all patients who undergo lumpectomy for an invasive breast cancer or for in situ breast cancer. Radiation therapy to the lymph glands of the axilla and supraclavicular fossa is sometimes also recommended. Post-mastectomy radiation therapy is sometimes advised particularly for patients with more advanced cancers.
Benefits
Adjuvant radiation therapy given after surgery for breast cancer reduces the risk of loco-regional recurrence by approximately 60%. Recent evidence suggests that, in some circumstances, post-lumpectomy and post-mastectomy radiation therapy may significantly improve survival for breast cancer patients.
Special Programs
Breast Cancer Survivorship Program
How to Make a Referral
Patients may be referred to one of the radiation oncologists in the Site Group either through the departmental referral process or by contacting one of the physicians directly.
This page was last updated August 10th, 2007 at 12:43pm.