Yes, some people do choose to decline radiation therapy, and it's a very personal decision. There are a few common reasons why someone might go that route:
- Time commitment — Radiation often requires daily sessions over several weeks, which can be hard to manage with work, family, or travel
- Side effect concerns — Some Show Full Answer
Yes, some people do choose to decline radiation therapy, and it's a very personal decision. There are a few common reasons why someone might go that route:
- Time commitment — Radiation often requires daily sessions over several weeks, which can be hard to manage with work, family, or travel
- Side effect concerns — Some people prefer to avoid the potential skin, fatigue, or swelling-related side effects
- Previous radiation — If someone has already had radiation to the same area, it may not be safe to have it again
- Personal preference — Some people simply feel more comfortable choosing a mastectomy instead, which may eliminate the need for radiation
It's worth knowing that for many people, especially after a lumpectomy, radiation is strongly recommended because studies suggest it can improve survival outcomes. Whatever path feels right, having an open and honest conversation with your oncology team is really important. They can help weigh the risks and benefits based on your specific situation. You're not alone in asking these questions — many MyBCTeam members have wrestled with the same decision. 💛
October 27
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