Skip to content

Radiation as a precaution?

Page last modified on: September 19, 2008
Question from AnnieP: Would it not be beneficial to irradiate both breasts as a precautionary measure?
Answer —Lydia Komarnicky, M.D.: No. Radiation only works where there are potentially cancer cells, or where we know there are cancer cells. In addition, the side effects do not warrant treating the other breast if there are no signs of cancer or no history of cancer in that breast.

On Wednesday, March 17, 2004, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Radiation Therapy UpdatesLydia T. Komarnicky, M.D. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about advances in radiation therapy: the newest and best techniques, combining radiation therapy with other treatments, ways to manage, reduce or eliminate side effects, and more.


The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

A production of LiveWorld, Inc.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Email Updates

Stay informed about current research, online events, and more.

Please leave this field empty

Meet the Experts

Lydia Komarnicky, M.D.Lydia Komarnicky, M.D. is a Philadelphia-trained physician and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Medical College of Pennsylvania.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

Back to top

Breastcancer.org 7 East Lancaster Avenue, 3rd Floor Ardmore, PA 19003

Learn more about our commitment to your privacy

© 2009 Breastcancer.org - All rights reserved.

Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.