What all does radiation therapy after breast-sparing surgery involve?

Depends on technique: Classic radiation is given via external beams to whole breast over 6-7 weeks with primarily local affect like mild repeated sunburn (redness, irritation-more extreme may incl. Blistering or peeling). Newer techniques if a larger daily dose cn be given can reduce the time to 3-4 weeks. Other option is accelerated partial breast usually w/implanted device and seeds over 5 days.

Prevent recurrence: Thi is done to sterilize the breast from any stray cancer cells that may have remained after the resection. It is done to equalize recurrence rates after preserving the breast to those after mastectomy.