Changes in breast radiotherapy: prone positioning and hypofractionation

Breast cancer management has drastically changed since the 1990s. Many patients with breast cancer now can opt to conserve their breast through a lumpectomy and radiation (breast conservation therapy), rather than a full mastectomy. Advances in the techniques of delivery and length of breast radiotherapy have been rapidly evolving. This article attempts to summarize some of those changes for nurses caring for patients with breast cancer during radiation therapy.