Is Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer Less 'Scary' Than Expected?
Results from the radiation questionnaire
Shaverdian was able to observe patient perspectives on radiation therapy during their study. They gave out questionnaires to women who have received radiation therapy. Different treatment protocols included whole-breast radiation, short course adjunctive radiation after mastectomy, and partial breast radiation. Almost half of the patients who were undergoing radiation said that they had heard of terrible side effects from other patients undergoing radiation before them. 94% responded that they were scared to get the radiation. Amongst the highest concerns were internal organ damage and skin burning.
