​High-level exposure to radiation can occur in rare situations, such as industrial accidents involving radioactive material or being near the detonation site of a nuclear weapon or test. Research has proven that high-level radiation exposure is linked to the development of different types of cancer, including breast cancer.

Our focus here is on a type of radiation called ionizing radiation, which is used in X-rays and radiation therapy for medical treatment. Ionizing radiation can cause direct damage to cells and exposure to radiation for medical treatment can increase the risk of breast cancer. Radiation also builds up in the body over time. However, the dose of radiation used for medical purposes is monitored to ensure that it does more good than harm.

Radiation therapy for cancer

Medical radiation exposure occurs during radiation therapy, which is a necessary treatment for many types of cancer. Radiation to the chest area before the age of 30 can lead to a high increase in the risk of breast cancer later in life.

Radiation to the chest is part of the treatment for Hodgkin's disease, a cancer of the lymph system. Research has found a link between radiation therapy for Hodgkin's disease and an increased breast cancer risk.

If you have had radiation treatment or frequent chest X-rays before the age of 30, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation encourages you to speak to a health care provider about your medical history and previous radiation exposure so that you can make an informed decision about risk-reduction strategies and breast cancer screening options for the earlier detection of breast cancer.

For people diagnosed with cancer, radiation therapy continues to be one of the most important tools for cancer treatment and survival. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, ask your health care team about the benefits, limitations, and possible side effects of radiation therapy to help you make an informed decision about your treatment. 

Are X-rays safe?

People encounter low doses of ionizing radiation when they have X-rays taken, such as during screening mammography. However, the dose of radiation used for mammography is low, carefully controlled and considered safe.

In addition, most women do not have mammograms very frequently. The risk of exposure to a low dose of medical radiation every year or two is outweighed by the benefits of mammography for detecting and diagnosing breast cancer earlier.  

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation encourages women to have a mammogram with their provincial or territorial organized breast cancer screening program or a clinic accredited by the Canadian Association of Radiologists. X-ray technologists at these sites meet national standards for their qualifications and expertise and have been trained to know how to position the breasts to reduce the level of radiation exposure.

What about radiation exposure from my cell phone?

No link has been made between cell phone use and breast cancer. However, concerns have been raised about cell phone use and the increased risk of other cancers. Cell phones emit a type of non-ionizing radiation called radiofrequency energy.  

Cancer research is exploring tumours of the brain, central nervous system, head and neck area for a possible link. So far, the research findings have not been conclusive. In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer brought together a group of experts to review the research evidence. They concluded that radiofrequency fields, including those from cell phones, may be a possible cause of cancer and that more research is needed in this area. 

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation supports the use of the precautionary principle as a way to make sense of the evolving nature of breast cancer prevention research in our daily lives. Using the precautionary principle in your life means thinking about your health before you act and erring on the side of caution.  

If you are concerned about cell phone use and the possible link to cancer:

• Reduce the amount of time you use a cell phone or consider texting instead of talking.

• Use a headset instead of holding the phone next to your ear.

• Don’t carry your cell phone next to your skin (e.g. in your bra). 

Established risk factors 

Sources

Gray, J. (Sixth Ed, 2010). State of the Evidence: The Connection Between Breast Cancer and the Environment.  Breast Cancer Fund. Accessed July 31, 2011.

Health Canada. It’s Your Health: Mammography.  Accessed July 31, 2011.

National Cancer Institute. Cell phones and cancer risk.  Accessed August 12, 2011.