Hello and thank you for your post,

I am sorry to hear you are going through breast cancer treatment and I can appreciate you have some questions.

Radiotherapy is often recommended after a lumpectomy, This is because it can mop any cancer cells (if there are any to mop up) and reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. You can read more about radiotherapy; how it is given and what the side effects are on our website.

Because your cancer is oestrogen receptor-positive it means that your breast cancer uses oestrogen. This can then be targeted and stopped by endocrine (hormonal) treatment. We know that this can reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. You can read more about the different types of hormonal treatments used to treat breast cancer on our website.

It sounds like the doctor gave you your risk of cancer coming back if you had these treatments. So, you might find it useful to go back and discuss this further with your breast care nurse as they will know all about your situation.

I am afraid as a nurse I can't say if yuo should go ahead and have the treatment. if you want a second opinion you will need to ask your current breast cancer doctor or GP about getting one.

I hope this has been of some help. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care

Caroline