Indications for radiotherapy treatment of breast cancer

Abstract

Purpose: Breast cancer is the first leading cancer-related cause of death among USA women. In Europe, breast cancer occurs as frequently as in the United States and thus we encounter this pathology on a regular basis in Oncology Services such as Radiation Oncology, General Surgery, Gynecology and Medical Oncology. Nevertheless, the number of services working with this kind of patients is increasing: Primary Health Care, Nutrition, Psycho-oncology, Rehabilitation centers, Pain Clinics and Nursing among others. Reviewing radiotherapy treatment indications shall bring this modality and its procedures closer to other medical specialties. Methods: Exposition of all clinical indications that might include radiotherapy treatment. Results: There is scientific evidence that proves that radiotherapy is needed in order to reduce locoregional risk of recurrence, which shall determine global survival. Conclusions: Breast cancer requires a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach for which radiotherapy is essential in the conservative treatment as well as in other cancer cases.