Breathlessness after breast cancer radiotherapy, could it be a late effect?

[BatshitCrazyWoman]

I had breast cancer and finished my active treatment with radiotherapy - final session was mid-April 2025. I've noticed that I get quite breathless when walking up hills (I live on a hill!) or on exertion.

I've been working on regaining fitness since treatment ended , as I lost so much weight and muscle during chemo. I do weights and some cardio, but the breathlessness is bothersome

I read in passing something about lung issues after radiotherapy, sometimes starting a year or more afterwards. Has anyone else had this? Should I go to the doctor?

Of course you should speak to your doctor about this.

You should definitely speak to your oncologist or at least your GP about this. They should give tests due to your health history. It doesn't mean something is wrong but get used to being in the 'priority for ruling things out' category due to recent cancer.
Ask for lung x-rays and breathing tests.

Definitely see your doctor. There are lots of things that can cause breathlessness on exertion after cancer treatment, some related and some not. Your doctor can investigate and advise on what can be done.

My breathlessness isn't only on exertion now, it can be at night, or when I'm watching TV.

The oncologist has referred me for a chest CT.

Glad you are being properly investigated, OP. Hopefully you don’t have to wait too long for the scan and it’s something very treatable.

Yes it can. Chest radiotherapy did the same for me. I complained for over a year and finally got a thoracic CT scan.

My CT scan showed:
“Diffuse interstitial changes with predominant bronchial dilation at both bases,
associated with moderate centrolobular emphysematous changes.”

Which I think means I have moderate emphysema and interstitial lung disease. I have never smoked ever in my life. I did not grow up in a household with smoking parents.

My first pulmonology appointment is on Tuesday. I hope to get some sort of diagnosis then.

I'm sorry you're dealing with that @SpiritAdder . Do you know how they treat it?

Gosh this is me. I finished radio about 3 weeks ago and really struggle with breathlessness, even walking up the stairs. I’ve had a chest CT, doctor thought my lungs might be inflamed and given me steroids but still really struggling. He made it sound like it was very common and treatable but after reading this I’m concerned there will be long term damage now