What To Know About External Beam Radiation Therapy
Narrator:
What to know about external beam radiation therapy.
Let's listen in on a visit between Cara and her oncologist, Dr. Ross.
Cara:
Dr. Ross, my sister and I have been learning more about external beam radiation therapy. We made a list of questions that I brought with me today. Can we go over them together?
Dr. Ross:
Of course! I'd be happy to, Cara. And I'm glad you brought along your sister for support and to take notes. Feel free to tape record our conversation, too, if that would be helpful.
Cara:
Thank you. Would you tell us how external beam radiation therapy works?
Dr. Ross:
Sure, Cara. It's a common cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. A large machine aims radiation at the cancer. The machine moves around you, without touching you. We can visit the treatment room later, if you're interested.
Cara:
Okay, thanks. I also wondered if this treatment would make me radioactive, and does it hurt?
Dr. Ross:
No, it won't make you radioactive, so it's safe to be around people. And the treatment itself doesn't hurt.
Cara:
That's good to know. How long does the treatment take?
Dr. Ross:
The length of treatment for each person depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Most courses of treatment take 2 to 10 weeks. And it's usually done in an outpatient center, so no overnight hospital stays.
Cara:
How often will I come in for visits during those weeks?
Dr. Ross:
People generally come in for treatment once a day for 5 days in a row.
Cara:
Will I have side effects?
Dr. Ross:
You probably will have some side effects. The side effects you may have depend on the part of your body being treated.
Side effects happen because radiation can injure healthy cells that are near the cancer cells it is destroying. We'll talk in a lot more detail during your next visit about specific side effects and how to manage them.
Cara:
What are the next steps if I decide to get external beam radiation therapy?
Dr. Ross:
We'll make another, longer appointment for a checkup and to go through your complete medical history.
Cara:
That sounds good. Thanks for answering my questions, Dr. Ross. I'm gonna go home and talk things over with the rest of my family.
Dr. Ross:
That sounds good. Now that you have a basic understanding of what external beam radiation therapy is, let's talk more about your treatment plan.
Narrator Summary:
External beam radiation therapy uses high doses of radiation to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. A large machine aims radiation at the cancer. The machine moves around you, without touching you.
Most treatments last from 2 to 10 weeks. People generally receive treatment once a day for 5 days in a row.
People often have some side effects from treatment. They usually happen because radiation therapy can injure healthy cells that are near the cancer cells it is destroying. Side effects depend on the part of your body being treated. It's important to keep in mind that they differ in degree from person to person.
During a follow-up appointment with your doctor, you will have a checkup and go through your complete medical history.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about your treatment goals and plan and how to manage any side effects you may have.