Common Questions About Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a precise and powerful cancer treatment that uses targeted doses of high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. As you begin to explore your treatment options, it’s natural to have questions and concerns—about how radiation therapy works, what to expect during treatment, and how it may affect your body and daily life.
This guide is designed to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of radiation therapy, helping you understand what this treatment involves and how it may play a role in your cancer care journey.
General Questions You May Have About Radiation Therapy
How does radiation therapy work?
Radiation therapy uses special equipment to deliver high doses of radiation to cancerous tumors, destroying the genetic material of the cells which kills or damages them so they cannot grow, multiply, or spread. Radiation may affect healthy cells; however, most normal cells appear to recover fully from the effects of the treatment.
Unlike chemotherapy, which exposes the entire body to cancer-fighting chemicals, radiation therapy affects only the tumor and the surrounding area.
How is radiation therapy given?
Radiation therapy can be given externally or internally (called brachytherapy). During external radiation, the most common type of radiation therapy, a machine directs high-energy rays at the cancer and some normal surrounding tissue. In brachytherapy, a radioactive source is implanted directly into the cancerous area. The implants can be permanent or temporary.
Are There Different Types of Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy is mainly delivered in either of three ways, each chosen based on the type of cancer and the condition of the patient:
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) is the most common form of radiation therapy. This method uses advanced technologies that use high resolution imaging to direct high-energy radiation beams at a precise tumor location, avoiding the healthy tissue that surrounds the tumor. EBRT is most commonly used for cancers like breast, prostate, lung, and brain cancer where targeted precision of the treatment is important.
- Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy) is a treatment method that involves placing radioactive material inside or near the tumor and cancer cells. Internal radiation can be administered as a solid implant or a liquid and is commonly used for cervical, prostate, and some breast cancers. Like EBRT, it delivers high doses directly to the tumor keeping nearby healthy tissues safe.
- Systemic Radiation Therapy uses liquid radioactive drugs called radiopharmaceuticals added to the bloodstream. When given, radiopharmaceuticals are attached to a special antibody or protein that builds up in the tumor, allowing targeted treatment instead of spreading through the entire bloodstream. The choice of therapy is based on tumor location, cancer stage, and overall patient health to determine the most effective treatment. For this reason, this targeted approach is typically used for cancers like thyroid cancer and certain types of lymphoma.
Who gives radiation therapy treatments?
Radiation therapists administer radiation therapy treatments, under a radiation oncologist’s prescription and supervision.
How Is Radiation Therapy Combined with Other Treatments?
Radiation therapy is frequently combined with other treatments to maximize the effectiveness in combating cancer.
It can be used before surgery to aid removal by shrinking the tumors. It can also be used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
When paired with chemotherapy, radiation can enhance treatment outcomes, helping to stop cancer from spreading further. Radiation can also work alongside immunotherapy by boosting the body’s immune response. This integrated approach is commonly used for breast, lung, and head and neck cancers, where multiple treatment approaches are often required to improve outcomes.
Treatment plans are carefully customized based on factors like tumor type, size, and patient health to ensure the best possible outcome for our patients. Advanced imaging and genetic testing help our oncologists personalize therapy to each patient’s needs, maximizing effectiveness while minimizing side effects.
Will I be radioactive?
Even though the effects of radiation are powerful, you will not become permanently radioactive. External radiation therapy only affects targeted cells for a moment. With brachytherapy, your body may emit a small amount of radiation for a short time. If the radiation is contained in a closed implant, the radioactive material cannot escape, but precautions, such as limitation of visitors, are taken anyway.
If you receive therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals, you’ll have a higher level of radiation in your body and will have to take more precautions.
How will my treatment be planned?
Your Cooper radiation oncologist will decide how much radiation you need, how it should be delivered, and how many treatments you should have. They’ll evaluate your cancer, which includes a review of your medical history, a physical exam and scanning tests (including X-rays and computed tomography scans).
After determining the best way to deliver radiation therapy for your cancer, your radiation oncologist will oversee a simulation of your treatment to ensure that the appropriate radiation dose is delivered to the right location, and that as little radiation as possible is delivered to normal tissue.
This is followed by a set-up visit to test the equipment that will be used to deliver your treatment and position any shields to protect healthy tissue or devices to help you lie still during the treatment. After that, you begin your treatment visits.
Will I lose my hair from radiation therapy?
You will only lose hair in the area being treated with the radiation.
Can I continue my normal activities during radiation therapy?
Most patients can continue many of their normal activities during radiation therapy.
Questions You May Have About External Radiation Therapy
How long does radiation therapy take?
Each radiation therapy treatment takes about 10 minutes. Radiation therapy to try and cure cancer is usually delivered daily, Monday through Friday, for about five to eight weeks. Weekend breaks allow normal cells to recover. Shorter durations of radiation therapy may be used to relieve symptoms.
What happens during each treatment visit?
External radiation treatments, performed on an outpatient basis, are painless and are like having a regular X-ray.
The treatment takes only a few minutes, but appointments can be longer because of the time it takes to set up the equipment and place you in the correct position.
You will lie on the treatment table, positioned under the radiation machine. The radiation therapist may put special shields (or blocks) between the machine and other parts of your body to help protect normal tissues. You should remain still during the treatment, but you do not have to hold your breath.
Once you are in the correct position, the radiation therapist will go into a separate, nearby room to turn on the machine and watch you on a monitor. You’ll be able to communicate with the therapist through an intercom. X-rays may be taken to confirm the accuracy of your treatment.
What side effects should I expect?
Most side effects of external radiation therapy are related to the area that is being treated and go away within a few weeks after treatment ends. These side effects are not usually serious and can be controlled with medication or diet. Many patients have no side effects from radiation therapy.
Common side effects are fatigue and skin changes in the treatment area (e.g., redness, irritation, and dryness). Feeling tired and lacking energy is the most common symptom reported by cancer patients who have radiation therapy. Skin changes include red (sunburned looking), irritated, or dry skin in the area being treated. Hair loss is possible if radiation is delivered to the head.
What Are the Latest Advancements in Radiation Therapy?
MRI-Guided radiation treatment and advanced stereotactic radiosurgery for ultra precise targeting of tumors improve outcomes, reduce damage to healthy tissue, and minimize side effects.
Recent advancements in radiation therapy have significantly improved cancer treatment by enhancing precision and minimizing side effects.
Questions You May Have About Brachytherapy
What is Brachytherapy?
Brachytherapy is the use of radiation inside the body, as close as possible to the cancer cells. With brachytherapy, you can receive a higher total dose of radiation in a shorter time than is possible with external radiation therapy. Instead of using an external radiation machine, the radioactive material is sealed in a thin wire or a catheter (hollow tube) and implanted directly into the cancerous area. Implants can be temporary or permanent.
Brachytherapy concentrates the radiation on the cancer cells and lessens radiation damage to the normal tissue near the cancer.
When is brachytherapy used?
Brachytherapy is used when your doctor decides that the best way to treat your cancer is with a higher dose of radiation delivered inside your body. Brachytherapy may be used for many types of cancer, including brain tumors, breast cancer, gynecological cancer (e.g., cervical and ovarian), head and neck cancer and lung cancer.
How is the implant placed in the body?
Most implants are placed in the body during an outpatient procedure and require local anesthesia.
How long does brachytherapy take?
How long brachytherapy takes and whether it is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis depends upon the type of internal radiation therapy used and other factors related to your cancer. Internal radiation therapy can be completed as quickly as three to five outpatient treatments of a few minutes each over several days. Some types of internal radiation therapy are left in place for up to a week and require a hospital stay during this period.
What side effects should I expect?
You may feel discomfort where the catheter is placed. If general anesthesia was used to implant the catheter, you may feel temporary drowsiness, weakness, or nausea. Ask for medicine to help you relax or to relieve pain. Also, report any burning, sweating, or other unusual symptoms to the nurse right away.
What happens after the temporary implant is removed?
The treated area may be sore or sensitive for some time after brachytherapy, but most patients can return to normal activities quickly. You may need extra sleep or rest while your body recovers from treatment.
What happens to the permanent implants?
Permanent implants can safely remain in place. Once the radiation is gone, the implant capsules become inactive and cause no harm.
Questions You May Have About Post-Treatment Care
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery times after radiation therapy vary based on the type of treatment, the patient’s overall health, and the area being treated. Patients may experience an array of short-term side effects like fatigue, skin irritation, and mild swelling. These symptoms are common and typically subside within a few weeks.
However, it’s essential to monitor the body for long-term effects, such as changes in tissue health or organ function, which may develop over time after radiation treatments. It is important to stay aware of any changes in your body post-treatment and to communicate with your doctor if you experience any new or worsening symptoms, such as persistent pain, swelling, difficulty swallowing, or unusual fatigue.
For some patients, ongoing treatment is necessary to prevent cancer from returning.
Regular monitoring and continued care play a vital role in long-term recovery. At MD Anderson at Cooper, our doctors are steadfast in helping patients maintain their health and catch any potential issues early, should they reoccur.
How Can I Manage Common Side Effects After Radiation Therapy?
Managing side effects during radiation therapy is essential for maintaining overall well-being and supporting recovery. Fatigue, skin irritation, and changes in appetite or digestion are common, but there are effective ways to cope:
- Focus on a healthy lifestyle – Prioritize sleep while incorporating light exercise, like short walks, to boost energy levels.
- Care for your skin – Use gentle lotions and avoid harsh soaps or excessive sun exposure on treated areas if the radiation treatment affects the skin.
- Maintain a balanced diet – Focus on protein, healthy fats, and vitamins to aid tissue repair, strengthen the immune system, and maintain strength. If you experience changes in appetite, try smaller, frequent meals.
- Stay hydrated – Aiming for about 8 cups or 2 liters of water per day helps manage fatigue and supports overall recovery.
- Communicate with your care team – It is common for initial treatment plans to be adjusted based on a patient’s changing experience. Be sure to report any new or worsening symptoms so your care team can make necessary modifications throughout your healing journey.
- Seek support – Connect with support groups or patient resources to share experiences and receive guidance. Cooper offers a range of Supportive Care Services for our patients and their family members, assisting in the recovery journey for you and your support team.
By following these strategies and staying in close contact with their healthcare team, patients can effectively manage side effects and support both their physical and mental recovery.
Where Can I Find Additional Resources?
As you prepare for or recover from radiation therapy, it’s important to have access to trustworthy resources that can support you every step of the way.
Reputable organizations like the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute offer a wealth of information, including online guides, mobile apps, and patient support communities designed to help you better understand your treatment and manage recovery. You can also find a wealth of information through the Cooper University Health Care Blog, from understanding different forms of cancer to screening guidelines.
Always consult your healthcare team at Cooper University Health Care for guidance that’s tailored to your specific needs and treatment plan.
Learn More About Radiation Therapy
Download our free guide on Radiation Treatment to learn more about this important treatment option.
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