What To Know
About External Beam Radiation Therapy
|
"My wife and I made a list of questions to
ask my doctor. My doctor answered them
and helped me understand my treatment.
He also told me that the external beam radiation
therapy wouldn't make me radioactive. I was
very happy to hear that. I'm glad I can still be
around my wife and children." |
|
|
To order free copies of this fact sheet, please call
1-800-422-6237 (1-800-4-CANCER).
What is external beam
radiation therapy?
- It is 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.
- It doesn't hurt.
- It doesn't make you radioactive.
- It can't be seen, felt, or smelled.
How does treatment work?
- At low doses, radiation is used as an
x-ray to take pictures inside your
body. In cancer treatment, higher
doses of radiation are used to
destroy cancer cells.
- The radiation that destroys cancer
cells also injures nearby healthy
cells. This is why you may have
some side effects.
How long does treatment take?
- The length of your treatment
depends on your type and stage
of cancer.
- Most treatments take 2 to 10 weeks.
- Most people get treatment once a
day for 5 days in a row. Treatment
usually happens on Monday
through Friday. Sometimes, people
get treatment twice in 1 day.
- Most treatment visits last for
30 minutes to 1 hour. You will get
radiation for only 1 to 5 minutes,
but you may be in the treatment
room for 15 to 30 minutes. Your
visit may be longer if you have
other tests done.
You will meet with a doctor or nurse before
your first treatment. He or she will tell you how
the treatment works and how it can help you.
You will also learn about any side effects to
expect. Be sure to ask any questions you have.
Your first meeting:
- You will get a checkup (physical exam).
You and your doctor will talk about your
health and medical history.
- You might get tests, such as x-rays or
CT scans.
Follow-up meeting:
- Your radiation therapist will put small
marks (tattoos or dots of colored ink) on
your skin. These marks show where to
aim the radiation.
- A body mold or mask might be made at
this meeting. It will help you stay still
during your treatment sessions.
- You will probably lie down on a
treatment table.
- Your radiation therapist will be in the
next room to control the machine. He or
she will be able to see, hear, and talk with
you through a speaker at all times.
- You will need to stay very still, but you
won't have to hold your breath.
- You may see lights pointed at you. They
are safe and show the therapist where to
aim the radiation.
- Don't have powder, deodorant, Band-Aids®,
or jewelry near your treatment area.
- Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes.
Ask your doctor or nurse about side
effects from this treatment.
The side effects you may have
depend on the part of your body
being treated.
There are fact sheets to help you
learn how to manage side effects. |
< Back to Radiation Therapy Fact Sheets
Back to Top |