Cancer education

Breast cancer

Breast cancer treatment is often a team approach. Surgery, medical oncology, and radiation oncology may all play a part, depending on the type and stage of disease.

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Role of radiation

Radiation therapy is commonly used after breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) to treat remaining breast tissue and help lower the chance of cancer returning in that area. It may also be used after mastectomy when there are higher-risk features, to treat lymph node areas, or to relieve symptoms if cancer has spread.

Techniques can include external beam radiation, partial-breast approaches in selected cases, and image-guided planning. Your radiation oncologist designs a plan tailored to your anatomy and pathology.

Surgery & medical oncology

Surgery may remove the tumor (lumpectomy) or the breast (mastectomy), and sometimes lymph nodes. Reconstructive surgery may be part of care.

Medical oncology may recommend chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy before or after surgery, based on tumor biology.

At the Cancer Care Center, medical oncology, surgical oncology, 3D mammography, and a breast cancer coordinator are available on site to help coordinate care.

What patients often ask

  • Will I need radiation after a lumpectomy? Often yes — your team will confirm based on your case.
  • How long is treatment? Many courses are daily over several weeks; some selected patients may be candidates for shorter courses.
  • Side effects? Skin redness/fatigue are among the more common short-term effects; your team will discuss what to expect and how to manage them.

Other cancer education pages

Breast cancer Lung cancer Prostate cancer Colon & rectal cancer Gynecologic cancers How cancer care works

General education only — not a personal treatment recommendation. Call the office with questions about your care.

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