Effect of Bra Use During Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer Radiotherapy

Effect of Bra Use During Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer Radiotherapy

This prospective randomized study investigated the reproducibility of breast shape, radiation dose irradiated to the lungs, heart, dose distribution, patient satisfaction, and treatment toxicity when wearing and not wearing a bra during radiotherapy for patients with breast cancer.

Post-surgery radiotherapy to the breast is standard treatment after breast-conserving surgery in patients with breast cancer. In order to apply the latest radiation therapy technologies, such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy, it is important to maintain the correct posture. However, due to the nature of the breast made of soft tissue, it is difficult to maintain the same breast shape during each treatment. This is especially difficult for large, ptotic breasts. Accordingly, we developed a bra for breast cancer patients in order to perform accurate radiotherapy. It was designed to fix the breast using bands in various directions so that its shape and position can be fixed during radiation treatment.

This is a prospective, randomized controlled study to evaluate the effects of using a bra for breast cancer patients on the reproducibility of breast shape, radiation dose irradiated to the lungs, heart, dose distribution, patient satisfaction, and treatment toxicity.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with histologically confirmed invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ
2. Patients eligible for whole breast irradiation after partial mastectomy
3. Adults over 20 years old
4. Patients with good overall performance (ECOG PS 0-1)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Recurrent breast cancer patients
2. Patients who have previously received radiation therapy to the ipsilateral breast
3. Patients who underwent breast reconstruction
4. Bilateral breast cancer
5. Patients with skin diseases such as contact dermatitis