Radiation therapy is a common treatment for breast cancer as it is believed to be an effective method for reducing the risk of tumor recurrence. However, recent studies have highlighted the ineffectiveness of radiation therapy for certain types of breast cancer, as well as the potential risks associated with radiation.
During radiation therapy for breast cancer radiation is targeted at the breast tissue to kill cancer cells. This radiation can range from low to high doses, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
For many women with early-stage breast cancer, the benefits of radiation therapy have been proven to be limited. Studies have shown that radiation therapy may actually increase the risk of tumor recurrence, and that it may be ineffective in some cases.
Radiation therapy can also cause long-term side effects. It can damage healthy tissue, cause skin irritation and permanent scarring, which can lead to a decreased range of motion and pain. It can also damage the heart and lungs, which can lead to breathing difficulties and an increased risk of heart disease. Radiation therapy has been linked to increased risks of other health issues, such as lymphedema, organ damage, heart failure, infertility, myelodysplastic syndrome and second cancer.
It is also important to note that radiation therapy can be costly and time-consuming. Radiation treatments generally last about six weeks and require frequent trips to the hospital. The financial burden of radiation therapy can be a major burden for many patients, and the time commitment can be a major disruption to their daily life.
The amount of radiation used for breast cancer therapy can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer. Higher doses of radiation are used for more advanced cancers, and may also be used for tumors that are larger and more aggressive. Generally, radiation doses used for breast cancer are between 4,000 and 8,000 centigray (cGy). For comparison, a chest X-ray uses a dose of 0.1 cGy.
For further clarification, 8,000 centigrays is equivalent to 80,000 millisieverts (mSv). An average dental x-ray is .001-.005 mSv. Therefore, one therapeutic dose of radiation is equivalent to 80 million dental x-rays. With an average of 25 rounds of radiation per cancer, patients are exposed to over 2,000,000,000 billion x-rays in the course of their treatment.
For even further clarification, cancer has been discovered at 100 mSv. The average radiation therapy is 2,000,000 mSv. Hiroshima, at the highest level of nuclear impact in the Nagasaki area, measured 110 roentgens. 110 roentgen is equivalent to 1,026 mSv.
Therefore, the average course of radiation therapy is 1,949.23 times greater than the greatest impact of the Hiroshima nuclear bomb.
I thought we were supposed to be killing cancer. Not causing it.
Learn more?