Have a question about radiation treatment? Below is a list of frequently asked questions revolving around treatment. To view more information, just click on the provided links.
Radiation in Cancer Treatment
- What is radiation therapy?
- How does radiation therapy work?
- What the benefits and goals of radiation therapy?
- Are there risks involved?
- How is radiation therapy given?
- Who gives radiation treatments?
- Is radiation therapy expensive?
External Radiation Therapy: What to expect
- How does the doctor plan the treatment?
- How long does the treatment take?
- What happens during each treatment visit?
- What are the effects of treatments?
- What can I do to take care of myself during therapy?
Internal Radiation Therapy: What to expect
- When is internal radiation therapy used?
- How is the implant placed in the body?
- Does the implant spread radiation to others?
- Are there any side effects?
- How long does the implant stay in place?
- What happens after the implant is removed?
Managing Side Effects
- Are the side effects the same for everyone?
- Will my side effects limit my activity?
- What causes fatigue?
- How are skin problems treated?
- What can be done about hair loss?
- What about side effects on the blood?
- What if there are eating problems?
- Does radiation therapy affect the emotions?
- What side effects occur with radiation therapy to the head and neck area?
- What side effects occur with radiation therapy to the breast and chest?
- What side effects occur with radiation therapy to the stomach and abdomen?
- What side effects occur with radiation therapy to the pelvis?
Follow-up care
- What does ‘follow-up’ mean?
- What other care might be needed?
- What if pain is a problem?
- How can I help myself after radiation therapy?
- When should I call the doctor?
- What about returning to work?
This material was taken from the booklet "Radiation Therapy and You" published by the National Institutes of Health.