Radiotherapy uses X-rays to destroy cancer cells in some parts of the body. Radiotherapy is a localised treatment, which means it only treats the area of the body it’s aimed at. Radiotherapy may be used to treat different parts of the body that are affected by metastatic breast cancer.

If metastatic breast cancer has spread to the bones, radiotherapy may be used:

• to relieve bone pain
• to prevent or treat fractures
• to prevent and treat cancer in or around the spine that may be putting pressure on the spinal cord.

If metastatic breast cancer has spread to the brain, radiotherapy may be used:

• after surgery to treat cancer in one area of the brain
• instead of surgery to relieve symptoms of cancer in the brain.

If metastatic breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body, radiotherapy may be used:

• to relieve pain or swelling or to reduce the size of enlarged lymph nodes.

Find out more about:

• What does radiotherapy for metastatic breast cancer involve?
• Side effects of radiotherapy for metastatic breast cancer
• Travelling for radiotherapy
• Questions to ask about radiotherapy