Breast cancer – radiation therapy
DEFINITION
Radiation Therapy (also called radiotherapy) is the use of
high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
DESCRIPTION
Radiation Therapy is used after surgery (particularly
breast-sparing surgery) to kill any cancer cells that remain in the
area. It may also be used before surgery (alone or in combination
with chemotherapy or hormonal therapy) to destroy cancer cells and
shrink tumours. Radiation Therapy may also be used if the cancer
has spread to the bone or brain or to destroy the ovaries and stop
oestrogen production (which feeds the cancer cells in some cases of
breast cancer).
breast-sparing surgery) to kill any cancer cells that remain in the
area. It may also be used before surgery (alone or in combination
with chemotherapy or hormonal therapy) to destroy cancer cells and
shrink tumours. Radiation Therapy may also be used if the cancer
has spread to the bone or brain or to destroy the ovaries and stop
oestrogen production (which feeds the cancer cells in some cases of
breast cancer).
Radiation Therapy can be given externally or internally, or
both. External Radiation Therapy involves Radiation being directed
at the breast by a machine. This is performed at a hospital or
clinic, generally 5 days a week for several weeks. Implant
Radiation involves placing plastic tubes that contain radioactive
material directly in the breast. The person receiving treatment
stays in the hospital and the implants remain in place for several
days and are removed before the patient goes home.
both. External Radiation Therapy involves Radiation being directed
at the breast by a machine. This is performed at a hospital or
clinic, generally 5 days a week for several weeks. Implant
Radiation involves placing plastic tubes that contain radioactive
material directly in the breast. The person receiving treatment
stays in the hospital and the implants remain in place for several
days and are removed before the patient goes home.
DIET HINTS
Eat a balanced diet. This will enable the body to feel as
energetic as possible and improve the body’s ability to heal and to
fight infection, tolerate the Radiotherapy with fewer side effects
and keep body weight at an appropriate level. The following steps
are recommended:
energetic as possible and improve the body’s ability to heal and to
fight infection, tolerate the Radiotherapy with fewer side effects
and keep body weight at an appropriate level. The following steps
are recommended:
- Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods.
- Eat plenty of breads and cereals (preferably wholegrain),
vegetables (including legumes such as those found in the pea and
bean families) and fruits. - Eat a diet low in fat and, in particular, low in saturated
fat. - If you drink alcohol, limit your intake.
- Eat only a moderate amount of sugars and foods containing added
sugars. - Choose low salt foods and use salt sparingly.
Include foods rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E,
which possess powerful antioxidant properties. There is evidence to
suggest that these vitamins reduce certain side effects of
Radiotherapy.
which possess powerful antioxidant properties. There is evidence to
suggest that these vitamins reduce certain side effects of
Radiotherapy.
Radiation Therapy can increase a person’s caloric requirements
due to the high-energy repair processes that go on in the body
following treatment. Liquid nutritional supplements can be used by
patients receiving Radiation to supplement protein and calorie
intake between meals.
due to the high-energy repair processes that go on in the body
following treatment. Liquid nutritional supplements can be used by
patients receiving Radiation to supplement protein and calorie
intake between meals.
Radiotherapy can cause a ‘metallic’ taste in the mouth because
it affects taste buds. Try marinating meats for better flavour.
Cold foods may be more palatable than hot. Use herbs such as thyme,
tarragon, mint and basil for added flavour. Try adding sauces such
as apple sauce, yoghurt dressings and salad dressings to make food
easier to chew.
it affects taste buds. Try marinating meats for better flavour.
Cold foods may be more palatable than hot. Use herbs such as thyme,
tarragon, mint and basil for added flavour. Try adding sauces such
as apple sauce, yoghurt dressings and salad dressings to make food
easier to chew.
SIDE EFFECTS
Red or blistered skin, rib fractures (in less than 5% of
patients), dry cough and shortness of breath during physical
activity (for up to about 6 weeks), mild lung inflammation in 10 to
20% of patients 3-6 months after completing Radiation
Therapy.
patients), dry cough and shortness of breath during physical
activity (for up to about 6 weeks), mild lung inflammation in 10 to
20% of patients 3-6 months after completing Radiation
Therapy.
VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
Always consult your Doctor for advice on dosages and
interactions before taking any vitamins, minerals or
herbs.
interactions before taking any vitamins, minerals or
herbs.
Growth-promoting vitamins and minerals, such as the B
vitamins, folic acid and zinc, should not be taken during cancer
treatment except under strict medical supervision.
vitamins, folic acid and zinc, should not be taken during cancer
treatment except under strict medical supervision.
ORGANISATIONS & SUPPORT GROUPS
See the Australian Cancer Society topic on the
Healthpoint.
Healthpoint.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
- Your Pharmacy stocks a range of drink supplements available
that can provide nutritional support for patients receiving
Radiation Therapy. - Always consult your Doctor for advice on dosages and
interactions before taking any vitamins, minerals or herbs.
Growth-promoting vitamins and minerals, such as the B vitamins,
folic acid and zinc, should not be taken during cancer treatment
except under strict medical supervision. - If the diet is inadequate, consider the supplements listed
elsewhere in this topic and ask your Pharmacist for advice. - See the other topics in the Breast Cancer group on the
Healthpoint.