Patients undergoing irradiation for breast cancer can be positioned in:

The prone position is commonly utilized for patients undergoing irradiation for breast cancer, particularly when targeting the breast tissue. This positioning can help achieve better coverage of the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, including the heart and lungs. When a patient is positioned prone, the breast falls away from the chest wall, facilitating a more accurate delivery of radiation to the tumor site and sparing critical structures.

This approach is advantageous in cases of larger breasts or when the tumor is located in specific regions that are better accessed from a prone position. Additionally, with advancements in radiation therapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), the prone position can be utilized effectively to optimize treatment plans and improve patient outcomes.

While other positions, such as supine, might also be used in some treatment scenarios, the prone position offers unique benefits for irradiating breast tissue specifically, making it a preferred choice in many cases.