Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy X-Rays to destroy cancer cells.
Radiation therapy is used to:
Radiation therapy may be used alone, or together with surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or other treatments.
Usually you are given radiation therapy in small amounts over a few days or several weeks. The type and amount of radiation treatment you get depends on many factors (like the type of cancer you have).
Radiation therapy works by using a machine to deliver high-energy X-rays to the treatment area.
The energy from the X-rays damages cancer cells. When this happens, the cancer cells cannot grow easily. The cancer cells will begin to die, and the body will naturally remove them.
Healthy cells nearby are also affected by the radiation. This is why you may have side effects from treatment. Healthy cells can recover with time.
WRHN Cancer Centre is the only location in Waterloo Wellington that offers radiation therapy. There are 2 ways to deliver it – External Beam or Internal Radiation.
Uses a machine called a linear accelerator. This machine aims radiation directly at the cancer. The machine moves around you without touching you. You may hear small buzzing sounds when the machine is on. You won’t feel anything as you are getting your treatment.
Radiation only affects the part of the body being treated. It does not make you become radioactive.
Brachytherapy is the only type of internal radiation given at WRHN Cancer Centre. It is a type of radiation treatment given directly into your body. The source of radiation is placed inside your body close to your tumour. The radiation dose is focused on cancer cells and does less damage to normal cells nearby. More information will be given to you if you are having brachytherapy.
Not all treatment prescriptions are the same. Your Radiation Oncologist will plan what is best for you.
Your team of healthcare experts work together to give you the best possible care. You can ask any member of your team questions as you go through treatment.
The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) offers Wheels of Hope. This is a service where volunteer drivers pick you up and drive you to cancer treatments or appointments. Talk to your healthcare team about a referral.
If you need radiation therapy as part of your cancer treatment plan here are some of the appointments you will attend:
This is where your medical case is reviewed and a radiation treatment plan is made. You will be asked to consent to start treatment.
This is where you have a CT scan to help plan your treatment.
These are your pre-booked treatment appointments.
These are pre-booked follow-up visits with your Radiation Nurse and/or RO. They happen as you are going through treatment to monitor progress.
After finishing radiation treatment, you may have a follow-up with the radiation team.
WRHN Cancer Centre is a scent free facility. Do not wear perfume, cologne, or scented products when you come to the hospital.
Once you consent to have treatment, the first step is your CT simulation appointment. This is a CT scan that will be used to plan your cancer treatment. Depending on the area of your body to be treated, you may need to prepare for this first appointment. If so, your team will give you special instructions. Please follow these instructions carefully.
When you arrive:
Check in at the radiation reception desk on the main floor (3rd Floor) of the Cancer Centre.
You will get an wristband with your name and Medical Record Number (MRN).
At your CT simulation appointment, one of the Radiation Therapists (RTs) will:
Your RT may also use a positioning device or make a mould to help you stay still during your treatment. The RT doing the scan will give you more information.
Images taken from this CT scan will be used to plan your treatment. After the scan, the RT may make tiny, permanent tattoos (dots) on your skin. The tattoos are used to make sure you are in the right position for treatment every day.
After this appointment, the RT will give you more information about your treatment start date. You may need to wait up to 2 weeks before your treatment is planned and ready to start. Booking staff will contact you with the date and time of your first treatment.
Treatments are given once a day, Monday to Friday. Not all treatment prescriptions are the same. Some people may have 1 treatment, or many treatments over the course of weeks.
All of your radiation appointments can be found on your appointment itinerary. Note that your appointment times may change throughout the course of your treatment. Your healthcare team will tell you if a change is made.
For your treatments:
You are NOT radioactive after your treatment. You can go about your regular, daily activities.
You are more likely to have side effects during radiation treatment if you smoke. If possible, cut back or stop smoking before your treatments start. Quitting smoking can improve your body’s response to cancer treatment. Ask your healthcare team for help quitting smoking.
Once you have started radiation treatment you will meet with your Oncology Nurse and/or Radiation Oncologist weekly for a check-up, called Radiation Review. They will:
You don’t need to schedule these appointments. They will be booked for you close to your treatment time(s).
You may have side effects from radiation treatment. Your healthcare team will review possible side effects with you ahead of time. This can help you watch for any changes to your body as you go through your treatment. Your healthcare team will check on you over the course of your treatment to help you manage any side effects.
After you finish your radiation treatment your RO will decide if you need a follow-up appointment. This appointment allows your RO to check on you after treatment. You should continue to see your family doctor for any other medical needs outside of cancer care (e.g. your regular health checks, diabetes, rashes, etc.)
About This Resource
Author: Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program
Revised: January 2026
PEM#: WRHNCC0019
Use this resource for your information only. It does not replace medical advice from your doctor or other healthcare professionals.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cancerwaterloowellington.ca
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