Radiation dose-effect relationship is reviewed. For conservative treatment of early breast cancer, the necessity of radiation is discussed and surgery using the radiotherapy techniques in our hospital are presented. Our procedures consist of lumpectomy which is removal of 1cm of normal tissue containing the primary breast cancer and complete axillary dissection and postoperative radiotherapy of 46Gy with 9Gy of electron boost. Since November 1987, 61 patients treated using this procedure have shown good local control and satisfactory cosmetic results. We have concluded that the positive aspects of radiotherapy in the management of conservative therapy for early breast cancer are overwhelming.
