Radiation Risks

I see. I did not realize it was an individual plan related to autonomy. Very helpful. Patients who need radiation after reconstruction are at a risk of complications with regard to their reconstruction. A woman may have her reconstruction done at the time of surgery (immediate reconstruction) or at some point in the future (delayed reconstruction). Each carries with it different possible complications. Patients need to discuss all options with their surgeons – patient’s cancer and their anatomy play an important role in the determination of which type of reconstruction is appropriate. Regardless, it is essential that proper radiation planning take place and good dialogue between the treating radiation oncologist and the plastic surgeon.

Along with surgery and chemotherapy, radiation therapy is used as a method for cancer treatment. At least 50 percent of all cancer patients will receive radiation at some stage during the course of their illness. Radiation therapy uses targeted energy to kill cancer cells, shrink tumors, and provide relief of certain cancer-related symptoms. Radiation works by damaging the DNA (genetic material) within the tumor cells, making them unable to divide and grow. Radiation is often given with the intent of destroying the tumor and curing the disease. The goal of radiation therapy is to target as many cancer cells as possible and limit harm to healthy tissue. Radiation can damage noncancerous cells and have other adverse effects in the body. That said, any form of radiation increases your risk of cancer. If you will be having radiation therapy, I would suggest that you consider reducing your exposure to other forms of radiation as much as possible. This includes all other x-rays, CT scans and Full Body Scans at airports. Opt for other screening methods such as MRI or Ultrasound whenever possible.

Elyn

For more information on the risks of radiation, please visit:
http://elynjacobs.blogspot.com/2011/04/ct-scans-part-of-solution-or-part-of.html


Along with surgery and chemotherapy, radiation therapy is used as a method for cancer treatment. At least 50 percent of all cancer patients will receive radiation at some stage during the course of their illness. Radiation therapy uses targeted energy to kill cancer cells, shrink tumors, and provide relief of certain cancer-related symptoms. Radiation works by damaging the DNA (genetic material) within the tumor cells, making them unable to divide and grow. Radiation is often given with the intent of destroying the tumor and curing the disease. The goal of radiation therapy is to target as many cancer cells as possible and limit harm to healthy tissue. Radiation can damage noncancerous cells and have other adverse effects in the body. That said, any form of radiation increases your risk of cancer. If you will be having radiation therapy, I would suggest that you consider reducing your exposure to other forms of radiation as much as possible. This includes all other x-rays, CT scans and Full Body Scans at airports. Opt for other screening methods such as MRI or Ultrasound whenever possible.

Elyn

For more information on the risks of radiation, please visit:
http://elynjacobs.blogspot.com/2011/04/ct-scans-part-of-solution-or-part-of.html