Does Prior Radiation Therapy to the Chest Area Increase My Risk for Breast Cancer?

— -- Question: Does prior radiation therapy to the chest area increase my risk for breast cancer?

Answer: The purpose of radiation therapy after surgery to the breast -- after lumpectomy or after mastectomy -- is to reduce the risk of ever getting breast cancer again, in that region. It does not increase your risk for developing breast cancer on that side or the other side in the future.

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