Breast Health Center


Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. Generally, if you have had breast-sparing surgery (lumpectomy), you will receive radiation therapy. In some cases, radiation is given after a mastectomy. The surgeon will remove all of the cancerous cells that can be seen or felt; radiation destroys any cancer cells that cannot be seen or felt and that may be left in the breast after surgery.

Your radiation oncologist develops a specific plan that directs the radiation to where your cancer is or was. It is considered a local treatment.

You will receive specific information on radiation therapy at the time of consultation with your radiation oncologist. Radiation therapy is generally scheduled for five days a week (Monday through Friday) for six to seven weeks. Daily treatment times vary, but most appointments last about 15 minutes.

Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare Network


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