Radiation oncology is essential in the management of breast cancer. Each year the scientific literature is replete with evidence of radiation's role in the treatment of this disease. The goal of this article is to motivate the reader to discuss and critically review some of these publications. The authors have made a subjective selection of clinical publications addressing radiation and breast cancer from the past 13 months. Articles were chosen on the basis of their ability to influence both current and future therapy. Some readers will no doubt disagree with our choices; however, if this disappointment generates discussion and review of these and other articles, we have achieved our goal.