Frequently Asked Questions

Radiation is a kind of energy created by waves or streams of particles delivered by specialized machines or given off by radioactive substances. The use of these high-energy rays or particles to treat disease, most often cancer, is called radiation therapy (or radiotherapy). Physicians specializing in this field are called radiation oncologists.

Radiation therapy treats cancer by targeting and destroying cancerous cells in the body. Although radiation therapy is like having an X-ray taken, the dose of radiation in cancer treatment is stronger and is given over a longer period.  

Radiation therapy can also treat conditions besides cancer, such as benign (non-cancerous tumors).

Many forms of radiation are available. The best choice depends on the type of condition you have, the extent of the disease, and its location.  

High doses of radiation can kill cells or keep them from growing and dividing. Because cancer cells grow and divide faster than normal, healthy cells, radiation therapy is used to keep these cells from reproducing.  

Normal cells are also affected by radiation, but they recover more fully from radiation’s effects than cancer cells. Your radiation oncologist will plan your treatment to limit damage to normal cells while killing the cancer cells. 

No. After external beam radiotherapy treatment, you will not be radioactive. You can continue to enjoy the same contact with your family and friends as before your diagnosis without fear of exposing them to radiation.  

If you are treated with internal radioactive sources, you will stay in a protected room until the source of radiation is removed. If you need this type of radiation, your radiation oncologist will explain it to you in detail. 

The treatments do not hurt. The beams cannot be seen or felt. However, over time, you may experience side effects from your treatment, discussed below.

Radiation therapy is an effective way to treat many types of cancer throughout the body. Many people with cancer are successfully treated with radiation, and for many patients, it is the only kind of treatment needed. Cancer can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, alone or in combination with each other.

Like any other medical treatment, there are risks for patients receiving radiation therapy. High doses of radiation that damage or destroy cancer cells can also hurt normal cells. This can lead to side effects. The benefits of killing cancer cells usually outweigh the risk of side effects. Side effects vary from person to person and depend on the treatment dose and the area of the body being treated. Your radiation oncologist will discuss all possible side effects with you in full at the time of your consultation. 

The side effects of radiation treatment vary from person to person and depend on the treatment dose and the part of the body being treated. Typically, there are two types of side effects: acute and chronic. Acute side effects occur around the time of treatment and go away within a few weeks of finishing. Chronic side effects may take months or years to develop and can be permanent.  

The most common side effects are:

• Fatigue
• Skin changes
• Loss of appetite
• Hair loss in the treated area

Be sure to tell your radiation oncologist or radiation therapist if you experience any type of side effect.

Good nutrition is very important, though we recognize that this is a big challenge for many patients, especially those with certain types of cancer. Try to eat a well-balanced diet. Every day, try to choose foods from these groups:  

• Breads and cereals
• Meats, eggs, or beans
• Milk or milk products
• Vegetables  
• Fruits

Try to eat enough food to keep your weight at the same level as before treatment. Your body needs more calories now, so you may need to eat more than usual. A dietitian from the radiation therapy clinic can help you set up a food plan.  

Tell your physician or nurse if you experience any significant weight loss or weight gain. We will check your weight weekly. If you notice your weight going down, try to drink fluids that are high in calories, such as milk shakes or nutritional supplements.