What is radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses electromagnetic waves to kill cancer cells. It can be used before surgery to shrink tumors, after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells or as a standalone treatment. Radiation therapy is often used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Who is a candidate for radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy may be an option for people with certain types of cancer. To decide if radiation therapy is right for you, your doctor will consider several factors, including:

• The type and stage of your cancer. Examples of cancers that can be treated with and will likely respond to radiation therapy include:
  • Breast cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Skin cancer / melanoma
  • Brain tumors
• Your overall health
• Your treatment goals
• Can tolerate side effects
• Are willing to commit to the treatment schedule

In general, radiation therapy is most effective for treating cancers that are localized to a specific area of the body. It isn't typically recommended for people with widespread or metastatic cancer because radiation therapy treats cancer cells in a very targeted area.

If you aren't sure whether radiation therapy is right for you, talk to your doctor. They can help you understand the risks and benefits of treatment and make the best decision for your individual situation.

What to expect in radiation therapy?

Before the treatment

• A radiation therapist will meet with you to discuss your treatment plan and answer any questions you may have.
• You may be asked to sign a consent form before starting treatment.
• You will be given instructions on how to prepare for your treatment, such as fasting or avoiding certain medications.

During the treatment

• You will lie on a treatment table and the radiation therapist will position the radiation machine.
• The radiation machine will deliver a beam of radiation to the targeted area of your body.
• You may feel a warm sensation or mild discomfort during treatment, but this shouldn't be painful.
• Each treatment session typically lasts 15–30 minutes.

After the treatment

• You may experience some side effects after treatment, such as fatigue, skin irritation, headache or hair loss.
• These side effects are usually temporary and will go away after treatment is completed.
• Your radiation therapist will track you for side effects and will recommend ways to manage them.
•  You will be given instructions on how to care for yourself after treatment.

Benefits of radiation therapy

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, radiation therapy is a powerful treatment option that should be considered. Here are some of the main benefits of radiation therapy that can improve the lives of patients:

• Reduced tumor size. Radiation therapy can effectively shrink tumors, making them less likely to spread and cause further damage to surrounding tissues. This can be especially beneficial for patients with inoperable tumors or those that are difficult to remove surgically.
• Improved quality of life. By shrinking tumors and diminishing symptoms such as pain, bleeding and difficulty breathing, radiation therapy can significantly improve quality of life. This can make it easier to participate in daily activities and enjoy time with loved ones.
• Increased survival rates. Radiation therapy can cure some types of cancer, and can be used to improve survival rates with more advanced stages of cancer. By killing cancer cells and preventing them from spreading, radiation therapy can help patients live longer, healthier lives.