Published: February 4, 2016 | Updated: November 26, 2019
Radiation therapy for breast cancer can be lifesaving, but that can come at a cost. Common side effects include soreness, redness and swelling. Norton Cancer Institute is now offering new technology that is improving the comfort and safety of women undergoing radiation for breast cancer.
Called a prone breast board, it’s a big name to describe something rather simple: The table the patient lies on during treatment. The woman lies face down instead of face up on a board specially designed for her anatomy. The board helps reduce skin damage that may occur while lying on the back, especially for women with larger breasts.
When lying on the back, women with larger breasts tend to have many skin folds, where reddening and blistering may occur. By positioning the patient on her stomach and allowing the breast tissue to fall forward and away from the chest wall, side effects are greatly reduced. The board also reduces radiation exposure to healthy tissue.
The prone breast board is available at Norton Cancer Institute Radiation Center – St. Matthews. Find out more information about our radiation services.
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