Breast cancer radiation and throat cancer

Women with breast cancer who undergo radiation treatment after mastectomy run a moderately increased risk of developing cancer of the oesophagus.Researchers from the Columbia University in New York did a population-based study of roughly 244,000 women and found that the chances of oesophageal cancer occurring are about 3-times higher than normal 5 to 9 years after the radiation therapy, and about 2-times higher thereafter.However, the actual rate of esophageal cancer was still low, at the equivalent of approximately 10 cases per 100,000 persons per year.The interesting point, according to the researchers, was that while there is an increased risk of oesophageal cancer following breast cancer radiotherapy, it is not very large and should not affect the use of this type of therapy.The doctors need to discourage women from smoking. It was found that there was no increase in the risk of oesophageal cancer with radiation treatment given after lumpectomy, which entails lower radiation exposure.

DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.

Advertisement