Seven Questions to ask about Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy

There has been so many advances in radiation therapy in past few years that choosing a therapeutic approach is not as simple as it used to be, says Melanie Haiken, Caring.com senior editor. Here are some questions you may want to ask your Oncologist when deciding on a plan of treatment.

1. Is there a risk that radiation will damage the lungs?
2. If the tumor is located in left breast, do we need to worry about damage to the heart?
3. Would using IMRT reduce risk of damage to lungs, heart, or surrounding skin tissue?
4. Is the tumor located that treatment can be affected by movement from breathing or digestion?
5. Are you considering using techniques to control or compensate for movement during radiation?
6. Will deodorant, lotion and other products interfere with radiation therapy?
7. Can radiation cause cosmetic damage to the skin?

These question should go some way to alay any fear you may have regarding Radiation therapy. Even ask the Oncologist to show you the equipment you will be using in your treatment. You must eliminate all fears prior to taking on this treatment.
Acknowledge Caring.com Geoff.

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