Breast Cancer A woman who has been diagnosed with breast cancer often faces some very hard decisions about her treatment. The goal of any cancer treatment is to kill or remove tumor cells, while not harming normal tissue. Years ago, scientists found out that X-rays kill cancer cells more easily than normal cells. This is because normal cells heal from X-ray damage better than many cancer cells. X-rays, or radiation therapy, have become a very important part of treating many types of cancer, including breast cancer.
Radiation therapy is especially important in treating early-stage invasive cancers.
Years ago, breast cancer almost always meant the doctor had to take off the entire breast. This treatment also leaves a woman with a much better appearance. Radiation therapy is almost painless. Many women and their doctors choose it to help treat their breast cancer.