Any effects of radiation for breast cancer?

Cure (we hope): Radiation therapy is a very effective way to "sterilize" the breast after lumpectomy, reducing the chance of cancer coming back in the breast. Modern techniques allow the radiation oncologist to target the breast & minimize exposure elsewhere, namely the lungs & heart. Depending on breast size & smoking history, some people will have more breast scarring than others; most people are satisfied.

Local side effect: The most common side effects will be redness/ irritation/ peeling off skin etc from the radiation exposure to the skin over the radiation field- breast area, collar bone, arm pit etc. With the technology we have nowadays- the risk of exposure to other organs can be minimized- thus side effects to the lung ( pneumonitis) , heart etc would be only minimal.