What questions should I ask my doctor about radiation therapy for cancer?

PearlPoint Cancer Support

You may want to ask your doctor these questions before having radiation therapy for cancer:

Why do I need this treatment?
When will the treatments begin? How often will they be given? When will they end?
How will I feel during treatment? Will I be able to continue my normal activities?
Will there be side effects? How long will they last?
Can radiation therapy cause side effects later on?
What can I do to take care of myself during treatment?
How will we know if the radiation treatment is working?
How often will I need checkups?

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Radiation Therapy For Cancer

Using ionized energy to kill cells, radiation therapy is used by half of all patients to treat cancer. Radiation kills cancer cells by damaging their genetic material beyond repair, causing them to breakdown and die. Both short- and long-term side effects, such as hair and memory loss, can occur when the therapy kills healthy cells. Different types of radiation exist. When a machine outside the body delivers it, it is called external-beam radiation therapy. If radioactive materials are placed inside the body, it is called internal radiation therapy, or brachytherapy. You can also receive an injection of radioactive iodine, which travels through the body to kill cancer cells, a treatment called systemic radiation therapy. When cancer cant be cured, radiation therapy can be used to shrink tumors to make life more comfortable for a patient. Doctors may use radiation treatments alone or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill cancer cells.

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