AbstractThe literature on the role of irradiation in breast carcinoma was reviewed in detail. Routine postoperative irradiation of breast cancer has not altered the prognosis of carcinoma of the breast. Various classifications of breast cancer, including AJC, UICC, Haagensen, and M. D. Anderson, are discussed in detail and differences outlined in Table II. The clinical stages of cancer of the breast are outlined in Table III. Stage I is essentially operable; Stage III is essentially inoperable. It is in Stage II that preoperative irradiation should be considered, although at present untested. The future role of irradiation in cancer of the breast is in the preoperative treatment of operable Stage II lesions, and in the early lesion which, perhaps, can be treated with preservation of the breast. Small doses of irradiation for breast cancer are not recommended.