What should I know about radiation therapy?
ACS Answer
Radiation therapy (or radiotherapy) uses an invisible ray or beam, which is focused on an area of the body. In some situations, a small pellet containing a radioactive substance may be put into the tumor. Radiation can decrease the size of tumors and relieve symptoms. Localized forms of some cancers can be cured by radiation therapy—Hodgkin disease, for instance. Other cancers, like breast cancer, can now be treated by radiation and more limited surgical procedures, thus saving important body parts.
Doctors would not expose people who are not ill to radiotherapy because it could cause problems for some. However, the benefit to people with cancer far outweighs the small risk of causing new problems. In order not to expose the people you care about to radiation, friends and relatives will not be in the room with you during the treatment itself. You will be in a radiation therapy room by yourself, but you will be watched by technologists who can see you on a TV monitor.
The side effects of radiotherapy depend on the area to be treated. The dose is concentrated on the tumor, and other areas of the body are not affected. For instance, if the chest is treated, there will be no hair loss on the scalp and no nausea or vomiting. On the other hand, if the brain requires treatment, hair loss is expected, and nausea and vomiting may occur because there is a "nausea center" in the brain. Expected side effects should be discussed with your radiation oncologist (a physician trained to give radiation therapy). Ask questions!
What to do
- Go to every scheduled therapy appointment.
- Ask questions. Your radiation therapy team is eager to help you.
- If you suffer from nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or fatigue, see the appropriate sections in this guide, and tell your doctor or nurse.
- If skin markings are not tattooed, take sponge baths instead of regular baths or showers to keep the markings in place.
- Protect the treated area from direct sunlight.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing over radiated area; cotton clothing is preferred.
- Consult your nurse or doctor about using skin creams and makeup on the radiated skin.
Do not
- Miss any appointments
- Wash skin markings off if they are not tattooed
- Use extremely hot or cold water on body
- Sunbathe (if you are in the sun, use a high number sunscreen—SPF 15 or higher)
- Wear tight, constricting clothing
- Be around people who have colds or infections
- Use lotions or powder on radiated areas, unless approved by your doctor
Call the doctor about any of the following symptoms
- If your skin becomes bloody, wet, or discolored
- If you develop a fever
- If you have pain
- If you have questions or hear things about radiation therapy that concern you
Related Resources
Get more information about radiation therapy.
Find books that cover this and other cancer topics at the American Cancer Society bookstore.
Recommended Consultation
You should consider discussing this question with your doctor or health care team.
