Radiation Therapy
Standard radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses targeted, high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to kill cancer cells.
The goal of radiation therapy is to kill any cancer that might be left in the breast or nearby lymph nodes after breast cancer surgery.
Radiation therapy is an option for many people who have:
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS, non-invasive breast cancer)
Radiation therapy is standard treatment for most people who have:
Learn about emerging areas in radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy and DCIS
Radiation therapy is often recommended for people who are treated with a lumpectomy (also called breast-conserving surgery) for DCIS.
In rare cases, radiation therapy is recommended after a mastectomy for DCIS.
Learn more about treatment for DCIS.
| For a summary of research studies on a lumpectomy plus radiation therapy in the treatment of DCIS, visit the Breast Cancer Research Studies section. |
Radiation therapy and invasive breast cancer
After a lumpectomy
Radiation therapy is usually recommended after a lumpectomy for invasive breast cancer.
Radiation therapy can lower the risk of [3]:
- Breast cancer recurrence (a return of cancer) in the treated breast
- Breast cancer death
Some women 65 and older who have small, lymph node-negative invasive breast cancers that are HER2-negative and estrogen receptor-positive (and who will get hormone therapy) may be able to avoid radiation therapy after a lumpectomy [11-12].
After a mastectomy
Some people who have a mastectomy for early breast cancer won’t need radiation therapy.
However, in some cases, radiation therapy is used after a mastectomy to treat the chest wall and lymph nodes. These can include the axillary lymph nodes (lymph nodes in the underarm area), the supraclavicular lymph nodes (lymph nodes near the collarbone) and the internal mammary nodes (lymph nodes near the breastbone).
| For a summary of research studies on radiation therapy after a mastectomy for invasive breast cancer, visit the Breast Cancer Research Studies section. |
Click on the topics below to learn more.
Treatment guidelines
Although the exact treatment for breast cancer varies from person to person, evidence-based guidelines help make sure high-quality care is given. These guidelines are based on the latest research and agreement among experts.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) are respected organizations that regularly review and update their guidelines.
In addition, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has treatment overviews.
Talk with your health care team about which treatment guidelines they follow.
After you get a recommended treatment plan from your health care team, study your treatment options. Together with your health care team, make thoughtful, informed decisions that are best for you. Each treatment has risks and benefits to consider along with your own values and lifestyle.
You’re not alone
If you’re facing radiation therapy, it’s normal to feel worried or scared about going through treatment and the side effects you may have. Many people have been where you are today. They had the same fears. They’ve gone through breast cancer treatment and are living their lives.
It may be helpful for you to talk about how you’re feeling and get support from others. Having people in your life who can relate to some of what you’re going through may help you feel less alone.
You could share your experience and advice with others going through radiation therapy or those who’ve finished treatment. You can do this in a support group or by connecting one-on-one with another breast cancer survivor. A social worker or patient navigator can help you find these resources.
You can also talk with your health care providers about how you’re feeling. They care about your overall well-being and want to help. They may connect you to a mental health provider on your health care team, such as a social worker, for emotional support.
Emotional health after radiation therapy
After radiation therapy ends, you may feel some common emotions. Any anxiety you might have had about getting through radiation could have eased, but you may be worried about what happens next. You may also feel a sense of relief about completing this part of your treatment. This is all normal.
Make sure you take time to recover both physically and emotionally. You may want to have family and friends available for support.
Our Support section has list of resources for finding local and online support groups and other resources.
Learn more about social support and support groups.
Learn about healthy ways to cope with stress.
Susan G. Komen® Support Resources |
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Updated 02/25/25
This content is regularly reviewed by an expert panel including researchers, practicing clinicians and patient advocates.
