Get Breast Cancer Checklist

Of all your visits to the radiation oncology department, the simulation session may require the most time. After the simulation process is concluded, it may take up to two weeks for your team to complete the treatment planning prior to commencing treatment.

The planning target volume (PTV) is the CTV plus a margin to allow for geometrical uncertainty in its shape and variations in its location relative to the radiation beams due to organ mobility, organ deformation, and patient setup variations.

Don't wear tight clothing over the treatment area. It's important not to rub, scrub or scratch any sensitive spots. Also avoid putting anything that is very hot or very cold—such as heating pads or ice packs—on your treated skin.

Treatment planning usually involves positioning your body, making marks on your skin and taking imaging scans. Your radiation therapy team determines whether you'll lie on your back, stomach or side during treatment.

The standard schedule for getting whole breast radiation is 5 days a week (Monday through Friday) for about 6 to 7 weeks.

Most patients get radiation treatments daily, 5 days a week (Monday through Friday) for 5 to 8 weeks. Weekend rest breaks allow time for normal cells to recover.

You will likely have radiation therapy as an outpatient at a hospital or other treatment facility. A common treatment schedule (course) historically has included one radiation treatment a day, five days a week (usually Monday through Friday), for five or six weeks.

Each session is generally quick, lasting about 15 minutes. Radiation does not hurt, sting, or burn when it enters the body. You will hear clicking or buzzing throughout the treatment and there may be a smell from the machine. Typically, people have treatment sessions 5 times per week, Monday through Friday.