Radiation therapy—also called radiotherapy—is a highly targeted, highly effective way to destroy cancer cells that may linger after surgery. This reduces the risk of recurrence. Despite what many women fear, Radiation Therapy is relatively easy to tolerate, and the side effects are restricted to the area being treated.

This section of breastcancer.org will help you face the challenges of Radiation Therapy by:

• explaining how radiation works;
  
  
• dispelling some common myths or misperceptions;
  
  
• telling you what to expect each step of the way; and
  
  
• how to manage side effects.

The medical expert for Radiation Therapy is: Marisa Weiss, M.D., breast radiation oncologist, Thomas Jefferson University Health System, Philadelphia, PA.