What is Radiation?

It is estimated that 50% of cancer patients will receive some form of radiation during their treatment process. Radiation is a form of focused treatment used for many types of cancer cells. Radiation works by damaging the portion of DNA in cancer cells that cause them to continue growing. Radiation can be used to treat some cancers on its own but is often used in combination with other types of treatment such as surgery and/or chemotherapy. Radiation can be given in several ways, which will depend on the location and type of cancer. Below are a few of the most common types of radiation.

External Beam Radiation

• External Beam Radiation is given using an x ray or proton beam of energy.

• This type of radiation can be used to treat many different types of primary cancers, as well as sites of cancer metastasis (areas cancer may have spread).

• Treatments are given once or twice a day, as often as 5 days a week. The duration and frequency of your treatments will depend upon the total dosage of radiation that is needed.

• If you are receiving external radiation, you are not radioactive or dangerous to those around you.

Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation)

• This type of radiation is delivered via implantable seeds near the tumor site.

• Internal radiation can be in place short term or permanently, however the radioactive effects wear off over time.

• Internal radiation may require you to have special isolation precautions to protect those around you from exposure (your radiation oncologist should provide these instructions if applicable).

Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals

• Can be given as a pill or intravenously

What Side Effects Should I Expect?

Side effects are generally related to the area that the radiation is being delivered to. Most side effects are temporary and will improve over the next few months following your course of treatment. Occasionally people may have side effects that do not improve; however, this is less common.

General Side Effects

• Skin Changes (to radiated area only)- This can include redness or tanning and/or irritation. Skin changes can vary in severity. It is important to be diligent about skin care and follow your radiation oncologists’ recommendations regarding any use of creams. Report any skin changes to your radiation oncologist.

• Fatigue- Feeling wiped out or less energized than normal. Intensity can vary from person to person. Radiation fatigue is generally progressive as treatment goes on and improves in the months that follow.

• Hair thinning or loss (to radiated area only)- Hair may grow back thinner or in some cases not at all. Keep in mind hair loss to the head only occurs if radiation is directed to that area such as in head/neck or brain cancer.

• Lymphedema- Damage to lymphatic system in radiated field can sometimes cause short or long-term swelling due to fluid accumulation in tissues.

Radiation Site Specific Side Effects

• Brain-Memory and concentration changes, headache, blurred vision

• Head and Neck- Dry mouth, trouble swallowing, sore throat, taste changes, and tooth decay.

• Breast- Skin changes, fatigue, swelling

• Chest-Difficulty swallowing, cough, shortness of breath

• Stomach/Abdomen - Nausea, cramping, vomiting, diarrhea

• Pelvis - Diarrhea, abdominal cramping, urinary changes or irritation, sexual problems, menopausal symptoms, fertility concerns.

What questions should I ask my radiation oncologist?

• What is the length, frequency, and duration of my radiation course?

• What are the potential side effects of this radiation and when should I expect to see those side effects?

• Can I eat before my treatments?

• Are there any special instructions on what I should do before each treatment?

• Are there any precautions I need to take to keep those around me safe?

• What type of products/skin care should I use or avoid during treatment?

• What is the best way to contact you if I have concerns?

• Are there any possible late side effects I should watch for after treatment is complete?