Adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) is a treatment given after surgery for breast cancer to target any remaining cancer cells. It's used for patients who undergo either breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy. The primary goal is to decrease the likelihood of cancer coming back in the breast area and improve survival rates. This therapy is a crucial part of the treatment plan for many women, but it comes with its own set of considerations.

Whole-breast radiation therapy (WBRT) is often recommended after breast-conserving surgery. A major analysis found that WBRT cuts the risk of cancer recurrence by nearly half and reduces the chance of breast cancer death. While this therapy is mostly effective, it can cause side effects like skin irritation or more severe complications over time. Advances in radiation techniques are helping to minimize these risks.

Some older women with specific types of breast cancer might be able to skip radiation therapy. Women over 65 with small, hormone receptor-positive, node-negative tumors who are on hormone therapy might not see significant survival benefits from radiation. However, the choice should be discussed with a doctor to weigh the benefits and risks.

Could adjuvant radiation therapy be the missing piece in your breast cancer treatment plan?