What is Radiation Treatment and How Does It Work?

Radiation treatment, sometimes called radiotherapy, uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancerous cells in your body. Although it is like an x-ray taken for a broken bone, the dose in cancer treatment is higher and delivered over a longer period. The target area, dose, and number of sessions (fractions) depend on the type, extent, and location of your cancer.

Will Radiation Treatment Make Me Radioactive?

No, you will not be radioactive after receiving external radiation treatment, so there is no need to worry about harming your family and friends. You can continue to stay with them, work, and engage in social activities.

Who Will Give Me the Radiation Treatment?

Your healthcare team will work together, led by a radiation oncologist, a doctor who specializes in radiation treatment. A radiation therapist delivers the prescribed radiation and assists you before and after each session. A radiation oncology nurse will work with the radiation oncologist to help you throughout your treatment. Other healthcare professionals may also be part of your team.

What Can I Expect During a Visit with a Radiation Oncologist?

Your radiation oncologist will determine if you can benefit from radiation treatment and explain why it may be recommended, along with potential side effects.

An appointment will be made for a planning session or simulation. Simulation is done to locate the exact area to be treated. You will be placed in the same position used in the simulation during your actual treatments. Special devices may be used to help reproduce your positioning during the actual treatments. X-rays (simulation films) and/or CT (computerized tomography) scans will be taken so that your doctor can map out the areas to treat. After your doctor approves the films or CT scans, the radiation therapist will mark your exact treatment area either directly on your skin or on a plastic mask if your head or face will be treated.

What Will Happen at my Radiation Visits?

When you arrive for treatment, check in as instructed. At each radiation treatment, you will be asked to wear a gown or remove clothing to expose the treatment marks.

The actual treatment lasts only a few minutes, but preparation may take 15 to 20 minutes.
You will be positioned on a treatment table, and once in position, you must remain still.
The radiation therapist will monitor you via closed-circuit television and stay in contact through an intercom. If needed, they can turn off the machine immediately.

Just relax and breathe normally. You will not feel any pain. If you need something, tell the radiation therapist.

How Often Will I Get Radiation Treatment?

Your treatment will be scheduled every weekday, Monday through Friday, allowing you to rest on Saturday and Sunday. The treatment cycle usually takes from one to eight weeks depending on the type of cancer. You will be notified of any holidays on which you will not receive treatments. Your doctor will examine you and review your progress once a week.

What Side Effects May I Have and How Long Will They Last?

Side effects depend on the part of the body being treated. Most go away a few weeks after treatment stops. Some common side effects include:

Red, itching, and peeling skin - This usually happens in your treatment area after about two to three weeks.
Fatigue - You may feel more tired than usual.
Loss of appetite - You may not feel like eating. This side effect is common if your abdomen or mouth is in the treatment area. Try eating several small meals or snacks throughout the day instead of three big meals. A dietitian can give you more tips on eating during treatment.
Hair loss – You may have hair loss, but only in the area being treated.
Problems with swallowing – Problems with swallowing may occur after the first two weeks of radiation if your neck or chest is in the treatment area.

You will receive information about your type of radiation treatment. This information will include what to do in case of problems and how to manage side effects.

How Do I Take Care of My Skin During Radiation Treatment?

Toward the end of your treatment, the radiated skin may become pink and itchy. In some cases, the skin will blister and flake, like a sunburn. You can do the following:

Leave the marks on your skin until all your treatments are finished. Do not use soap on the marks.
Wear loose-fitting, cotton clothing that does not rub the treatment area.
Do not put anything hot or cold on the treatment area or expose the area to the sun.
If your skin itches in the treatment area, do not scratch.
Do not put anything (cream, lotion, powder, or makeup) on the treatment area. You may receive an ointment to soothe the skin.
You are not allowed to shave if your site is head and neck cancer although you can use an electric trimmer.

What Other Things Can I Do to Help Myself During Treatment?

Eat a well-balanced diet every day. Choose foods that include bread and cereals, meats and eggs, milk or dairy products and vegetables and fruits. Always follow the dietary recommendations of your dietitian or other members of your health care team. Try to eat enough food to keep your weight the same as before treatment. Your body needs more calories now, so you may need to eat more than usual. A dietitian can help you set up a food plan. Tell your doctor or nurse if you lose or gain five or more pounds (2.2 or more kilograms).

Drink three to four liters of fluids every day. Fluids may include water, juices, coconut water and soup. If you notice your weight going down, try to drink fluids that are high in calories, such as milkshakes or nutritional supplements.

Get some exercise and plenty of rest. It is okay to continue your regular activities if you take breaks and do not overexert yourself.

Can I have my regular medications?

You can have your routine medications of blood pressure, diabetes, hypothyroidism, cholesterol etc as recommended by your family physician.