Answers to Common Questions About Radiation

• What is radiation therapy?
• How does radiation work?
• How is radiation therapy used to treat cancer?
• Can my family members get cancer from me?
• Will radiation treatments make me radioactive?
• What about the RADIATION treatment machines?
• What happens during treatment?
• Are there any side effects from radiation therapy?
• Will I see a physician during treatment?
• How will my treatment affect me emotionally?
• Preparing for your treatment
• When and how often do I come in for my treatments?
• Should someone drive me to my appointments?
• Can I take medications during my treatment?
• Can I work and continue my normal activities while I’m having radiation therapy?

What is radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy rays to destroy abnormal cells, usually cancer cells. Radiation given externally (outside the body) may also be referred to as external beam treatment, X-ray therapy, irradiation, or electron beam therapy. A machine called a linear accelerator sends these high-energy rays to the area of your body needing treatment. Radiation may also be given internally using implants of small amounts of radioactive material (brachytherapy). These implants are placed inside the body or directly on the cancer.

How does radiation work?

Radiation works by damaging DNA in cells. Cancer cells can be destroyed by radiation because they are more sensitive to radiation and have a decreased ability to repair damage to them when compared to normal cells. Your radiation oncologist will design your treatment so that cancer cells are destroyed with minimal injury to surrounding normal tissues and organs.

How is radiation therapy used to treat cancer?

External beam radiation therapy is used to treat people with both malignant and benign tumors. Sometimes radiation therapy alone is enough to destroy the tumor. In other cases, it is combined with other kinds of treatment. Other types of treatment can include surgery and chemotherapy.

Can my family members get cancer from me?

No. Cancer is not contagious. Your friends, relatives, and family cannot catch cancer from you.

Will radiation treatments make me radioactive?

No. You will not be radioactive, give off radiation, or endanger others when you receive external beam treatment or HDR brachytherapy.

What about the RADIATION treatment machines?

Several different machines can deliver radiation treatments. At our center, we use advanced linear accelerators (LINACS) for external beam treatment. We also use AcuityTM and VariSourceTM for our High Dose Rate Brachytherapy. These machines are large and may seem frightening at first.

However, they are relatively quiet, and are not confining. They can be moved up and down or around so that the radiation reaches your tumor from different angles.

What happens during treatment?

A team of radiation therapists will administer your radiation treatment. They will place you on the treatment table and carefully position you for treatment. It’s very important that you remain in this position without moving while you receive treatment. You will be alone in the treatment room, but a therapist will watch you on a video screen and can talk to you through an intercom. Stay in position even after the machine shuts off, and wait until the therapist enters the room to help you down from the table.

Are there any side effects from radiation therapy?

It is common to experience some side effects from your treatment. The type and severity depend on many factors including the area being treated, the amount of radiation applied, and the individual patient.

Your radiation team will give you specific information about this at the beginning of your treatment. You may tire easily because your body is using a lot of energy to fight the cancer, get rid of unhealthy cells, and rebuild any healthy cells that have been injured.

Although we encourage you to remain active, if you start feeling tired, you may need to increase the amount of time you rest. It’s very important to eat properly throughout your treatment to maintain your weight and strength. Don’t use this time to try to lose weight.

Will I see a physician during treatment?

Your radiation oncologist will see you every five to ten treatments to check your progress, answer any questions, and help manage any symptoms you may be having.Members of your team are available every day of your treatment to address yourquestions and concerns.

How will my treatment affect me emotionally?

You may experience emotional changes before and during your radiation treatment. Maintaining a positive approach to your treatments and to cancer itself can be very important to your recovery. Our Radiation Oncology Department provides a clinical social worker to talk with you, your spouse, or any family member.

To request counseling, simply ask to speak to the radiation oncology social worker.

Preparing for your treatment

When and how often do I come in for my treatments?

Generally, treatments are given once a day, Monday through Friday, except on certain holidays. After the verification session, you will be given a regular appointment time.

The length of your treatment depends on the type and location of your cancer. The number of treatments prescribed during your verification session is only an estimate and may change as your treatment progresses. The exact number of treatments will be determined by your radiation oncologist.

Should someone drive me to my appointments?

Most people are able to drive themselves to and from their appointments. Since there is no medical reason related to your radiation therapy to prevent you from driving, you can choose whether to have someone drive you to your appointments or to drive yourself. However, you should not drive if you don't feel well, are taking medication that causes drowsiness, or if your physician advises you not to do so because of your medical condition.

Can I take medications during my treatment?

You'll probably be able to take your routine medications during treatment. Be sure to inform your radiation oncologist of all the medications you are taking, including prescription medications, aspirin, laxatives, cold remedies, vitamins, herbs, or any other over-the-counter medications. Check with your radiation oncologist before taking any new medications during your treatment.

Can I work and continue my normal activities while I'm having radiation therapy?

We encourage most people to continue to work and perform their normal activities, as long as they feel well enough. If you find that you are tired, rest until you feel stronger.