What Is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is the use of various forms of radiation to safely and effectively treat cancer and other diseases.
A radiation oncologist may use radiation therapy to treat cancer, prevent cancer growth, or alleviate symptoms such as pain. Radiation therapy works by damaging cancer cells, while normal cells can repair themselves after exposure to radiation. New techniques also allow doctors to better target radiation to protect healthy cells, resulting in fewer side effects for the patient.
Sometimes, radiation therapy may be the only treatment needed for a patient. In other cases, it may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan. For example, prostate and throat cancer can often be treated with radiation therapy alone, while a woman with breast cancer may undergo surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Radiation therapy can also be used to enhance the effectiveness of primary treatment. For instance, it can be used to shrink a tumor and facilitate surgery, or it can be administered after surgery to eliminate any remaining small amounts of cancer cells.
Does radiation therapy cause pain during the procedure?
No, you won’t feel anything during radiation therapy.
What are the possible side effects of radiation therapy?
Side effects are generally limited to the radiation area. Patients receiving radiation in the abdominal region may experience nausea, while radiation to the lower abdomen can trigger diarrhea. Other possible side effects include:
Red, itchy, and peeling skin in the treatment area
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Hair loss in the treatment area
Does radiation therapy make me radioactive?
No, it doesn’t. You can continue your social interactions with family and friends without concerns about them being exposed to radiation. You do not emit radiation to those around you on the days you receive radiation therapy.
Who is managing my treatment?
Radiation therapy is a team effort. The radiation oncologist is responsible for designing your treatment plan, including the amount of radiation you will receive and the total number of treatment days. The radiation oncologist will also manage any medical issues that may arise during your treatment.
The radiation therapy nurse works closely with the radiation oncologist to assist you throughout your treatment and manage any side effects.
The radiation therapy technician administers the prescribed treatment and assists you before, during, and after the treatment.
Why do I need to be alone during radiation therapy?
If radiation therapy technicians were to stay in the treatment room with every patient, they would be exposed to dangerous levels of radiation over time. While you are in the treatment room, you are continuously monitored by the radiation therapy technician through video cameras. If you need assistance during your treatment, speak up. The radiation therapy technician will pause the treatment and attend to your needs.
What about my regular medications?
Provide your doctor or radiation therapy nurse with a complete list of all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you are currently taking. They will review the medications you are currently on and determine which ones can be continued during your treatment. Your primary care doctor may still prescribe medications for non-cancer-related issues.
