Radiation therapy is one of the most common and effective treatments for cancer, used to target and kill cancer cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. If you or a loved one is about to begin radiation therapy, understanding what to expect can make the experience less intimidating and help you prepare both physically and emotionally. Here’s a comprehensive guide on radiation therapy, from the initial planning stages to managing side effects.
What Is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Unlike chemotherapy, which affects the entire body, radiation is typically a localized treatment focused on a specific area. This makes it particularly effective for treating solid tumors, such as breast, prostate, and lung cancers, as well as certain types of blood cancers (National Cancer Institute, 2023).
Types of Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy comes in several forms, each designed to treat different types of cancer with varying precision.
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): This is the most common type, in which a machine directs radiation beams to the cancer site from outside the body. It’s usually done in an outpatient setting and requires several sessions over weeks.
Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy): This form involves placing a radioactive source inside or near the tumor. Brachytherapy is often used for cancers like prostate or cervical cancer and can deliver higher doses in fewer treatments.
Systemic Radiation Therapy: This method uses radioactive substances that travel through the bloodstream, such as radioactive iodine for thyroid cancer. It’s a less common form of radiation therapy, usually administered orally or intravenously.
How Radiation Therapy Works
Radiation damages the DNA within cancer cells, preventing them from growing, dividing, and spreading. While radiation also affects healthy cells, they are generally more resilient and can repair themselves more effectively than cancer cells. To minimize damage to healthy tissues, radiation therapy is carefully targeted to the tumor, using imaging techniques such as CT scans, MRI, or PET scans for guidance (American Cancer Society, 2023).
The Radiation Therapy Process: Step by Step
Here’s what to expect from the radiation therapy journey:
1. Initial Consultation and Planning
What to Expect: Before starting radiation therapy, you’ll have a consultation with a radiation oncologist who will review your medical history, discuss your specific cancer diagnosis, and determine whether radiation is appropriate for your case.
Treatment Planning (Simulation): During this phase, the treatment area is precisely mapped. This usually involves a simulation session where imaging scans (such as CT or MRI) are used to determine the exact location of the tumor.
Positioning and Marking: To ensure radiation targets the exact same area during each session, you may have marks placed on your skin or temporary tattoos. These marks guide the radiology team to accurately position the equipment for each treatment.
2. Radiation Treatment Sessions
Typical Schedule: External beam radiation therapy is often delivered in daily sessions, Monday through Friday, for several weeks. The exact schedule depends on the type of cancer and treatment goals.
The Session: Each session is brief, usually lasting 10–30 minutes. You’ll lie still on a treatment table while the radiation machine is positioned around you. The radiation team will operate the machine from an adjacent room, but they’ll be able to see and hear you at all times.
Painless Process: Radiation therapy itself is painless. You won’t feel the radiation beams, though the machine may make noise. It’s similar to getting an X-ray, but with a more powerful dose.
3. Monitoring and Follow-Up
Throughout the treatment course, you’ll have regular check-ins with your oncologist to monitor your response to the treatment and address any side effects. Follow-up appointments will also be scheduled after completing the therapy to assess the therapy’s effectiveness and provide ongoing care.
Common Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy can cause side effects, which vary depending on the treatment area, radiation dose, and individual factors. Here are some of the most common side effects and ways to manage them:
1. Fatigue
Description: Fatigue from radiation therapy often builds up over the course of treatment and may last for weeks or months afterward.
Management: Prioritize rest, engage in light physical activity to boost energy levels, and maintain a balanced diet to support your body’s recovery (National Comprehensive Cancer Network, 2023).
2. Skin Changes
Description: Skin in the treatment area may become red, dry, itchy, or sensitive, resembling a mild sunburn. These changes are most common in areas receiving external beam radiation.
Management: Use mild, fragrance-free soaps and moisturizers, avoid sun exposure, and wear loose clothing to minimize skin irritation. Speak to your radiation team about recommended skin care products (American Society of Clinical Oncology, 2023).
3. Hair Loss
Description: Hair loss may occur in the area being treated, but not typically on other parts of the body. For example, radiation to the head may cause scalp hair loss, while radiation to the chest will not affect scalp hair.
Management: Hair typically grows back a few months after treatment. In the meantime, consider options like wigs, scarves, or hats if hair loss affects your confidence.
4. Appetite and Digestive Issues
Description: Radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis can cause nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
Management: Eating small, frequent meals, staying hydrated, and incorporating bland foods can help. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe anti-nausea medications if needed (American Cancer Society, 2023).
5. Changes in Mood and Emotional Health
Description: Many patients experience mood changes, anxiety, or depression during radiation therapy due to both the physical effects of treatment and the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis.
Management: Seek support from friends, family, or support groups, and consider speaking with a counselor or therapist. Many cancer centers offer mental health resources to help patients cope.
Tips for Coping During Radiation Therapy
Maintain a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet supports overall health, helps manage side effects, and provides the body with energy for recovery. Consult a dietitian for personalized guidance if you experience appetite loss or digestive issues.
Stay Hydrated: Radiation therapy can be dehydrating, so it’s important to drink water regularly throughout the day.
Practice Gentle Exercise: Light physical activity, such as walking or stretching, can boost mood and help manage fatigue. Just be sure to pace yourself and avoid overexertion.
Follow a Skincare Routine: Protect the treated area by using gentle skincare products, avoiding sun exposure, and not applying lotions or creams immediately before a treatment session unless approved by your radiation team.
Communicate with Your Healthcare Team: Report any new or worsening side effects to your healthcare team. They can adjust your treatment plan, recommend remedies, or provide referrals to specialists if needed.
After Radiation Therapy: What to Expect
After completing radiation therapy, you may still experience some side effects, but they will typically improve over time. Recovery varies depending on the individual and the type of cancer treated. You’ll have follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
During recovery:
Continue Self-Care: Keep up with a balanced diet, gentle exercise, and stress-management techniques to support healing.
Monitor Skin Health: If you experienced skin changes, continue to treat the area gently, as skin sensitivity may persist for a few weeks.
Stay in Touch with Your Care Team: Your oncologist will guide you through post-treatment care, including any necessary imaging tests or scans to monitor for cancer recurrence.
Conclusion
Radiation therapy is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer, but it’s important to be prepared for the process and understand the potential side effects. By knowing what to expect, practicing self-care, and staying connected with your healthcare team, you can manage radiation therapy with greater confidence and resilience.
References
• National Cancer Institute. (2023). Radiation Therapy for Cancer
• American Cancer Society. (2023). Radiation Therapy Side Effects
• National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). (2023). Guidelines for Radiation Therapy
• American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). (2023). Managing Radiation Side Effects
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