Breast Cancer Radiation
Breast cancer radiation is one of the most common treatments of the disease. While the treatment can also be given individually, it is mostly combined with surgery. Radiation helps to ensure that the cancer cells that may have been left behind by surgery are completely destroyed and chances of re occurrence are minimized. Radiation is basically the process of exposing the patient to a beam of high intensity rays that help to burn the cells and prevent them from dividing further. Cancer cells have a tendency to divide rather rapidly and this is one of the main reasons as to why even a single cell can cause intense cancer within a short period of time. Radiation helps to burn out this cell and stop it from dividing further. However, radiation cannot differentiate between a healthy cell and a cancer struck cell, the end result is that it damages both. This is the reason for the side effects of radiation to occur. While some women suffer from skin burns, other may report hair loss, fatigue and even reduced blood count. However, it is important not to panic with these side effects.
Radiation for breast cancer is a common practice, however, it is very important that one deal with a qualified professional. More often than not there are various scary stories related with the therapy, these are mostly made up ones and apart from the obvious side effects, one does not have much to fear. The therapy itself is painless. It will help to keep in mind that the side effects are only temporary and once the therapy is over, these side effects will die down too. There are few tips that help reduce these side effects too and asking your doctor about them is highly recommended.
After a session of breast cancer radiation therapy, it will help to apply some moisturizers to the area. This helps cool down the burning sensation and also works to prevent skin damage. Some people have responded well to Aloe Vera gel too, which is worth a try.
The dosage of the breast cancer radiation treatment will vary from patient to patient. So while a more severe case of cancer may demand more sessions, a milder case will be given much fewer ones. However, the side effects do not always depend on the dose of the therapy.
When dealing with breast cancer radiation side effects, keep in mind that it is important to report them to your doctor. If you suffer from sweating, fever and intense coughing, do contact your doctor immediately since your body may have reacted to the radiation.
There are times when women also suffer from lung inflammation or some damage to the heart and even a rib fracture, but these occasions are very rare. Breast cancer radiation is known to be very effecting in combating the disease and one must learn to benefit from it.