Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses strong beams of energy to treat cancer and related problems.

The radiation energy is focused like a beam of light from a flashlight.

Instead of affecting the whole body, radiation treats just the area where the beam of energy hits.

Not everyone who has cancer will need radiation. Your doctor’s decision to recommend radiation therapy depends on the type and stage of cancer and other health problems you might have. Sometimes other treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, hormones or targeted therapy may be given along
with radiation. Other times radiation may be needed before or after other types of cancer treatment.

Types of Radiation

There are different types of radiation treatment. The most common is external beam radiation. This is a lot like getting an x-ray. A machine is used to aim the radiation beam right where the tumor is. Another type is called internal radiation or brachytherapy. It’s given by putting a radioactive implant inside your body, where it will give off radiation in or near the cancer. The type of radiation you need depends on the kind of cancer you have and where it is.

Sometimes more than one type is used. Before starting radiation, you and your treatment team will have a planning meeting to identify the exact area to be treated. Ask your cancer care team about the type of radiation you’re getting, and when treatment should start. Also, ask what your treatment schedule will be.

How long your treatment lasts and how often you get treatment will depend on the type and stage of your cancer, the type of radiation you’re getting, and how your body responds to it.

For example, a patient might get radiation five times a week, for several weeks.

It usually takes just a few minutes each day once treatment has started.

Radiation is usually given in an outpatient treatment center, but sometimes it might require a hospital stay. Ask what to expect during and after treatment and about any safety precautions you might need to follow to help protect yourself and the people around you. Depending on the type of radiation you get you may have to follow special steps at home after getting the treatment.

Side Effects

Not everyone responds the same way to radiation. Side effects are different for each person some of the most common are extreme tiredness, skin changes, hair loss, mouth sores, or low blood counts. Ask what side effects to expect, how they can be managed, and
when you should call the doctor or nurse. To learn more visit cancer.org treatment or call the American Cancer Society helpline at 800-227-2345 to speak with a cancer information specialist.