Radiotherapy alternatives?

I have just had a lumpectomy and a sentinel node biopsy. I have not had my follow up appointment yet but my surgeon had recommended to have radiotherapy. Is it wise to refuse the treatment and does anyone know about alternative treatments to stop the cancer from coming back? Thanks

  • Hello Marie66 and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry to learn you have had recent surgery for breast cancer, but I hope you are recovering well.

    What treatment is recommended depends on several things such as the stage and grade of the cancer, (how big it is , how far it has spread and how the cells are behaving), as well as other things such as whether or not there are hormone receptors on the breast cancer or specific proteins.

    The treatment aims to get rid of the cancer cells and reduce the risk of it coming back. Radiotherapy is commonly used after having a lumpectomy to kill any microscopically tiny cells that may have been left behind.

    The best person to discuss your treatment options with would be your specialist or breast nurse specialist (CNS) who knows your situation. One of the questions you could ask is what is the risk of the cancer coming back should you decide not to have radiotherapy.

    I wondered what concerns you have about radiotherapy, this would be also worth discussing with your breast cancer team and whether further treatment such as hormone therapy will be recommended.

    I hope this helps a little. You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on the helpline. We are available between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and the freephone number to call is 0808 800 4040.

    Take care,

    Jemma