What is cancer? Cancer is the general term for a large group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Many cancers are curable if detected early and treated properly. Cancerous growths are sometimes called tumors.

How is cancer treated? Radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy are the three most common forms of treatment at present. These treatments may be used individually, or often, in combinations with each other.

What is radiation oncology? Radiation Oncology (sometimes called radiotherapy, radiation therapy, or x-ray therapy) uses high-energy radiation to stop cancer cells from growing or multiplying. Radiation therapy may be used in conjunction with surgery, either beforehand to shrink a tumor, or afterwards to prevent the growth of remaining cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used when surgery cannot reach a tumor. Or it may be used in conjunction with chemotherapy. Sometimes, all three forms of treatment are used. For some types of cancer, radiation therapy alone is sufficient.

Are there different types of radiation therapy? Yes. In external radiation therapy, a machine beams high-energy radiation into the cancer. This is the most common type of radiation treatment. It can be done on an outpatient basis. Another type of treatment is internal radiation therapy. Small radioactive implants are placed inside the body or directly into the tumor. Because the implants are left inside the body for a prescribed period of time (usually a few days), this type of treatment is performed in a hospital.

How does radiation therapy work? Radiation therapy destroys the ability of cancerous and normal cells to grow and reproduce. Cancerous cells are more sensitive to radiation than normal cells. If radiation is given as the cancer cell is about to divide, the radiation prevents this division, killing the cell. Repeated treatments over time catch more cancer cells as they are in the process of dividing.

How many treatments are given? The number varies by the type of cancer and the total dose being delivered. Usually, this number is between 10 and 40 treatments. Treatments are given five days a week, so the typical treatment time runs between two and eight weeks. It is very important to complete all of the prescribed treatments.

Are there any side effects? Though radiation can affect normal tissue as well as cancerous cells, not everyone experiences side effects from radiation therapy. If they do occur, it is usually well into the treatment. The type of side effects and their severity vary by each person, the type of cancer, the amount of radiation given, and the part of the body being treated. Even though most side effects are temporary, you should always tell your radiation oncologist or therapy technologist about them.

Does radiation therapy cause hair loss? Some patients temporarily lose some or all of their hair in the area being treated. The hair will grow back after treatments are completed.

What about fatigue or loss of appetite? Because the body is using a lot of energy to fight the cancer, fatigue is fairly common during radiation therapy. Patients should rest as much as possible, and plan quieter activities. If you are not sleeping well at night, you should tell your radiation oncologist.

Because your body needs wholesome food to repair itself, it is especially important to maintain your weight during treatment. Eating smaller meals more often, varying your diet, or eating more on days when you feel better may help restore your appetite.

Are there skin effects? Although the skin has remarkable repair abilities, some signs of damage may appear after about three weeks of treatment. Dryness, flaking, itchiness, tanning or redness may appear. It’s important not to wash off treatment marks, which are used as guides for directing the radiation beam. Treat the skin with care. Do not apply heat, cold or scratch the affected skin. Avoid soap, deodorants, perfume, and alcohol-based or other irritating liquids. Do not expose treated area to direct sun. Avoid tight or irritating clothing. Consult your radiation therapist about any skin irritation you experience.

Will I feel sick before or after treatments? Radiation treatments to the stomach or abdominal areas may result in upset stomach, cramps or diarrhea. Ask your doctor about anti-nausea medication if you experience nausea or vomiting. Notify your doctor or radiation therapist if you experience diarrhea. Medication is available.

If you feel unwell after therapy, try not eating for several hours before your next treatment. If you feel unwell beforehand, try eating lightly before the next treatment. Nibbling on crackers or toast, or drinking juice may help.

Will radiation therapy make me radioactive? No. You will not be radioactive, and you will not be a danger to anyone else. People who are hospitalized for internal radiation therapy need to take precautions only while the implant is in place. Once the implant is removed, you do not need to be concerned about exposing others to radiation.

For more information on radiation therapy and what happens during treatment, please speak with the doctor, technologists and other people in our clinic who are involved with your care. We are deeply committed to your care, and are ready to discuss any fears or concerns.