I recently finished 5 years of Anastrazole and my last bone density scan showed as normal (phew!) A friend has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and her consultant has advised of the risk of heart damage if she has radiotherapy. Of course this has caused me to worry if I’m at risk of any problems! I had 15 sessions of radiotherapy to my left breast in 2018. What are the odds that any damage was done to my heart please?
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Things change, so everyones treatment is different. I had 20 doses of radiotherapy in 2006. My Mum was diagnosed with the same cancer last year and when she had her radiotherapy they taught her a specific way to breathe which would move the heart further away from the radiotherapy . That was not known when I had mine. I wouldn’t worry too much as many, many people have radiotherapy without problems. I have had no lasting effects and can run a half marathon with no problems.
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Hi I had a tumour in each breast (bi lateral) and had radiotherapy for 5 days after chemo/Herceptin. The surgeon was concerned about my heart as the Herceptin causes issues aswell but the oncologists were not. The radiotherapy is very targeted and they teach you breath hold to move the heart out of the way.
As I was bi lateral I had double the dose treating each side separating but I did breath hold for both as that is how I was measured up for treatment. I saw this website from Sheffield Hallam university and Leeds teaching hospital. I was able to practise the hold at home for a few weeks in advance.
RESPIRE Project. I hope this helps your friend if they decide to have radiotherapy.
With the Herceptin I have ECHO or MUGA scan to check for irregularities which after two, I’m pleased to say my heart is functioning normally. I’m already under a cardiologist due to tachycardia and a genetic family history of heart disease.
Can you talk to your team/breast care nurse? I’m sure one of the BCN nurses will answer your question soon.
I found this article, hope it helps.
Take care🥰
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I had target radiation to my left breast in 2019. I was advised due to new more targeted treatments, it is not totally impossible, but highly unlikely to have cardiac involvement from radiation. I am almost finished with five years of Anastrazole and I am more concerned about cardiac side effects from that than I was about radiation. No problem so far, but I am going to schedule a cardiac evaluation in a couple of months just to be safe. It’s all risk vs gains. I personally felt radiation was an additional caution to kill any cancer cells left over even with clean margins. This is just my opinion. Always discuss concerns with your Doctor before making decisions. I wish you well.
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I second what others have said about benefits outweighing risks. I was taught the breathing technique and was advised by Oncologist that the risk to your heart is very low. It is daunting hearing about things like heart damage but they have to let you know all of the risks so that you can give informed consent. The benefit of the radiotherapy in terms of killing stray cells is far more than any potential damage from what I have been told. Good luck 
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Hi Two_steps_forward
Thank you for posting your question.
We hear from a number of people who are worried about the effects of radiotherapy on the heart.
There is a small risk of developing heart problems in the future following radiotherapy for breast cancer when given to the left side of the chest. This risk for most people is very small.
Treatment teams will weigh up the benefit of a treatment against any risks, meaning that the benefit of having radiotherapy to reduce the risk of the breast cancer returning is greater than that of developing heart problems as @indygirl and @blue80 say. As @edp says, many people have radiotherapy with no heart problems afterwards, but it is understandable that you feel worried about this as your friend has recently been told about the risks.
If you are still in contact with them, it sounds as though it might be a good idea to talk to your breast care nurse or treatment team, or your GP about your concerns as @naughty_boob suggests.
You may also find our recent Facebook Live about radiotherapy for breast cancer helpful to watch.
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 more 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, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Cassie
Breast Care Nurse
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