Radiotherapy is the use of carefully measured doses of X-rays to treat the area where the breast tumour was situated. The doses are calculated by a hospital specialist with the intention of destroying any cancer cells remaining in the area where breast surgery took place.

Radiotherapy usually involves a number of daily visits, and the X-rays used in this treatment are very safe and do not inflict any pain or do damage to the tissues in the breast.

There are a few side effects such as reddening of the skin, feeling sick and tiredness but women can usually continue with their daily life during the procedure.

Sometimes women feel anxious and depressed during radiotherapy, and if this happens to you, it is important to share your feelings with your family or members of the hospital staff.

For more information about radiotherapy see the Patient Breast Cancer Tutorial