Freckles on breast after radiotherapy

Hello, in January this year I had surgery to my right breast for Stage 1 Breast Cancer. End of March/Early April I had 10 sessions of radiotherapy, which finished on the 9th April.

I have just noticed that I have a group of freckles appear on the underside of breast (I am 70 years old so I’m afraid my breasts have gone somewhat southwards so I don’t usually see them that part of them!!)

Could these freckles be a side effect of Radiotherapy do you know please or is it something I should worry about!!???

I hate to disturb anyone as I know there are people that have gone through a lot more than me but I have noticed that my emotions and anxiety levels have shot up dramatically so that includes my worrying about anything new to my body.

I hope it is OK to ask this.

Thank you in advance
Kind Regards
Maureen

Hi maureen4

Thanks for posting on our forum

We hope to be able to respond to you soon.

In the meantime our helpline is open until 4pm today.

If you do phone our helpline please let us know that you have asked a question on our forum so that we know your query has been answered. Thank you

With best wishes.

Lisa

Ask Our Nurses service co-ordinator

Please read the disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy

Hi @maureen4

While you wait for the nurses to reply.

I too had lots of freckles reveal themselves after radiotherapy in the same area. Doctor said it was nothing to worry about in my case. I also read on the internet that radiation brings them out, similar to freckles on face when being in the sun. I guess that sounds logical. But always best to your own circumstances :slightly_smiling_face:

Most of my freckles peeled off, when my skin blistered. I only have a few left now x

I got them . The oncologist examined me post radiotherapy and said they were benign .

Hi maureen4,

Thank you for your post.

It’s understandable that you are feeling more anxious since your diagnosis of breast cancer.

Finishing your hospital-based treatment can feel like a real achievement, but many people find it difficult to adjust to life after treatment and find they worry more.

As @sal1 and @klf say, skin changes after radiotherapy are normal and can include freckles, dry skin and changes to the colour of the skin. As you have noticed this change, we would always suggest you get it checked out by your GP or treatment team.

Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.

You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0800 138 6551 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.

You may be interested in our Moving Forward resources that are for people who have had a diagnosis of primary breast cancer and have come to the end of their main hospital treatment within the last 2 years. They include our Moving Forward booklet and Moving Forward courses.

Through supportive, open conversations in a safe, confidential space, you’ll connect with people who understand. You’ll also find the tools you need to feel more empowered, confident and in control to begin to move forward with your life.

You can attend Moving Forward either at our face-to-face course or take part by joining online. Find a course near you or register for an online course via the links above or call us on 03457 077 1893.

Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.

The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.

If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. Please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.

Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.

We will be closed on Monday 26 May for the bank holiday.

We will also be closed on Wednesday 18 June for our staff conference.

Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.

We’re currently evaluating this service. If you’d like to provide feedback, please click the link to complete the survey . It should take approximately 10 minutes.

Best wishes

Katie

Breast Care Nurse

Please read the disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy