BREAST CANCER: SIDE-EFFECTS OF RADIATION TREATMENT

Breast cancer is a disease arising from the uncontrollable growth of cruel cells in the breast. Most of the times, this occurs inside the inner lining of the milk ducts. The manifestation of breast cancer varies from person to person and the complications, signs and symptoms also manifest differently. The younger class of women is mostly affected by this. This needs to be well established before we start talking about the side effects of radiation treatment of cancer.

It is normally advised that everyone should be conversant with the symptoms of cancer as this is very pivotal for longevity. Especially women must do breast examination on regular basis to get familiar with the looks and shapes of their breast. Any notice of lumps in the breast should not be taken lightly, even though, not all breast lumps are cancerous. But the most common symptom of breast cancer in both men and women is the swollen lymph nodes in the underarm and a lump or thickening of the breast. Sometimes there may be lump in the area above the collar bone.

The following are some of the signs and symptoms associated with cancer:

1. When you notice that there is a kind of increase in the overall size of the breast.
2. The Nipples shows some tenderness.
3. Rashes around the Nipples is also another likely pointer to breast cancer
4. Swelling and feeling of warmth in the breast.
5. Notice of itching and scaling in the nipples
6. A change in colour and texture of the dark pigment area of the breast
7. Hard breast Lump
8. Etc

Detection of any of this signs very early can help a great deal. Surgery can be done. This is a kind of mix of radiation, Chemotherapy and Hormonal therapy. All of this process comes along with their side effects. And some of them are:

1. Inflammations in the armpit, a little discomfort and skin irritation are likely side effect.
2. You may notice some slight or strong pain in your chest
3. Skin problems like rashes and peelings might occur.

It is however important to note that all these side – effects are not enough reasons to run away from cancer treatment, like radiation and chemotherapy if need be. They are life saving and the side effects are minor and non life threatening like cancer itself.