Breast Hardening Probability Testing

After radiation, breast hardening (fibrosis) can occur in some patients. However, we do not know in which patients will the fibrosis occur and to what degree.

Patients can undergo a genetic test to predict their likelihood of breast radiation fibrosis. This can help to guide our treatment plan for the patient and allows the doctors to tailor a specific radiotherapy plan for the patient to minimize the risk of fibrosis.

A simple blood test will be sent to our partner lab in Brisbane and results returned to your doctor who will then counsel you on the most appropriate radiotherapy plan.

If you are found to have a high probability for developing breast fibrosis, your doctor will discuss the possibility of omitting the radiotherapy boost dose in order to reduce your chance of fibrosis although this may come with a slight increase risk of recurrence.