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What is the DIBH technique: Purpose, Role & Importance in Breast Cancer Treatment

By Dr Tripti Saxena in Radiation Oncology

Jun 24 , 2025 | 3 min read

When going through breast cancer treatment, every step matters—not just to beat cancer but also to protect the rest of your body. For women with cancer in the left breast, one advanced technique known as DIBH can make a big difference in protecting the heart during radiation therapy.

Why is Radiation Given After Breast Surgery?

If you've had breast-conserving surgery, radiation therapy is usually recommended to reduce the risk of the cancer returning in the breast. However, when radiation is aimed at the left breast, the heart—which sits just behind the breast—may receive some of that radiation. Over time, this can slightly increase the risk of heart-related complications.

What is the DIBH Technique?

DIBH stands for Deep Inspiratory Breath Hold. The concept is simple: when you take a deep breath and hold it, your lungs expand, and your heart naturally moves farther away from your breast. This extra space helps shield the heart from radiation exposure.

During DIBH radiation therapy, you're asked to take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds while the radiation is delivered. This minimizes the amount of radiation that reaches your heart and nearby organs like the left lung.

How Does the Process Work?

Breath-Hold Training (Respiratory Coaching): Before starting treatment, you’ll attend practice sessions with a radiation technologist to learn how to hold your breath for 20–30 seconds.
CT Simulation Scan: You’ll undergo a special scan in two ways:
- While breathing normally
- While doing the breath-hold
Treatment Planning: Your oncologist will use the scan images to precisely map out the area that needs radiation and the organs to avoid, such as the heart and lungs. A personalized plan is then created.
Radiation Delivery: On treatment days, you’ll lie down as practiced. A monitoring device will track your breathing. When you're holding your breath, the machine will deliver radiation. It’s safe, painless, and usually takes just a few minutes daily.

Why is DIBH Important?

DIBH can significantly lower the radiation dose to your heart without compromising the effectiveness of cancer treatment. It enhances the safety of radiation therapy while maintaining its full benefit.

Key Benefits of DIBH:

Protects the heart
Reduces radiation to the left lung
Improves long-term health after treatment

Conclusion

If you have left-sided breast cancer and are preparing for radiation therapy, ask your oncologist about DIBH. It’s a simple, safe technique that combines effective cancer treatment with enhanced protection for your heart.

Your breath is more powerful than you think—especially when it helps protect your heart during healing.

Why is Radiation Given After Breast Surgery?

What is the DIBH Technique?

How Does the Process Work?

Breath-Hold Training (Respiratory Coaching): Before starting treatment, you’ll attend practice sessions with a radiation technologist to learn how to hold your breath for 20–30 seconds.
CT Simulation Scan: You’ll undergo a special scan in two ways:
- While breathing normally
- While doing the breath-hold
Treatment Planning: Your oncologist will use the scan images to precisely map out the area that needs radiation and the organs to avoid, such as the heart and lungs. A personalized plan is then created.
Radiation Delivery: On treatment days, you’ll lie down as practiced. A monitoring device will track your breathing. When you're holding your breath, the machine will deliver radiation. It’s safe, painless, and usually takes just a few minutes daily.