Can breast cancer recur after radiation therapy?

Yes: After a lumpectomy and whole breast radiation, there is a 12-15% chance that breast cancer will come back in the same breast within 5 years. However, the chance of recurrence is much higher without radiation therapy.

Yes: However, chance of recurrence is much reduced because of radiation. This is the reason that radiation is the standard of care after breast conservation surgery. Chance of local recurrence is reduced by about 2/3.

Yes: No matter what treatment, cancer of the breast does not have 100 % results. So with lumpectomy and radiation cancer can still recurr. This is why patients need to follow with all their doctors for exams and x-rays. If there is a recurrence other options exist such as mastectomy.