Information on this page:
These resources are appropriate for people who are receiving radiotherapy currently or recently (in the last 12 months).
You may also find this information useful if you are due to start radiotherapy in the future.
1. Who receives radiotherapy?
2. Preparing for Radiotherapy
3. Skincare
4. Bras
5. Movement and stretches
For more resources related to your treatment, please visit:
All Patients
Surgery
Chemotherapy and Systemic Therapy
Hormone Therapy (endocrine therapy)
1. Who receives radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy is recommended if you have a lumpectomy or wide-local excision. To find out why, watch the video below.
Sometimes it is also recommended after a mastectomy. If so, your treatment team will discuss this with you.
To learn more, watch the video about the ‘Role of Radiotherapy in the Treatment of DCIS and Early Breast Cancer’
2. Preparing for Radiotherapy
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR RADIATION ONCOLOGIST
A list of common questions that will be useful to ask at your first meeting with the radiotherapy doctors.
DEEP INHILATION BREATH HOLD
Not all people receiving radiotherapy are required to do this technique. Your treating team will inform you if you are. If this technique is recommended for you, this leaflet will help you to train yourself for your planning CT scan and your radiation therapy treatment.
RADIATION SIMULATION
Radiation therapy is individually planned for each person. At your simulation appointment the radiation therapy team will work out the position you need to be in to receive your treatment. This position is important for the radiation therapy to be delivered precisely to the right area of your body at each treatment.
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT RADIOTHERAPY (video)
3. Skincare
SKIN CHANGES AND CARE DURING RADIATION
Factsheet from EVIQ Australia
CARING FOR YOUR SKIN AFTER RADIOTHERAPY
Factsheet, BCNA. Includes how to clean and wash during treatment.
Recommended skincare products
The following skincare products listed below are safe to use before, during, and after your radiation treatment.
These are only suggestions, always be guided by your treating team.
- Epaderm Ointment – LINK
- Sorbolene. This can be used as both a moisturizer and a body wash!- LINK
- Moogoo Udder Cream – LINK
- Moogoo Ultra gentle cleanser – LINK
- QV Gentle Wash – LINK
- Strataderm XRT – LINK
4. Comfortable Bras
Because your skin may be sensitive or irritated during your radiation treatment, you may need soft and gentle clothing.
These bras are wireless, supportive, gentle on skin, and made of breathable material such as cotton or bamboo.
These are only suggestions, always be guided by your treating team.
- Uniqlo ‘Ultra Relax’ Wireless Bra – LINK
- Boody ‘Shaper Crop’ Bra, 3 pack – LINK
- Bonds ‘Comfy Crop’ – LINK
- Bella Bodies ‘Bamboo easy fit bra’ – LINK
- Calvin Klein ‘Invisibles’ Lightly Lined Bra – LINK
- Sloggi ‘Zero Feel Bra Top’ – LINK
- Sloggi ‘Zero Feel Bra Shirt’ – LINK
5. Movement and Exercises
STRETCHES TO RELIEVE PAIN
5 of the best stretches to relieve pain, chest tightness, and improve shoulder motion after breast cancer surgery or radiation from an oncology and cancer physical therapist.
RECCOMENDED EXERCISES FOR DURING AND AFTER
Pictures demonstrating good stretches and techniques to relieve pain and tightness