Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is used to help destroy any cancer cells that may be left in the breast after surgery. Sometimes, radiotherapy is used to help destroy any cancer cells that may be left in the tissue around the mastectomy scar (on the chest wall) and/ or in the armpit. Radiotherapy is usually used after breast conserving surgery and sometimes used after mastectomy.
A radiation oncologist specialises in treating cancer with radiotherapy. He or she will advise whether radiotherapy may be useful in the management of breast cancer, and what sort of risks may be involved.
Click here for further information on radiotherapy and the Clinical practice guidelines for the management of early breast cancer.