FAQ

It is natural for anyone beginning a new medical treatment to be a little fearful. For people beginning radiation therapy, this fear may to be heightened by some common misunderstandings about the treatment.

Some frequently asked questions follow and we hope it will give you an insight into what to expect.

Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, is a highly targeted, highly effective way to destroy cancer cells.

Is radiation therapy painful?
Most patients cannot feel radiation from the machine during daily treatments. A few patients report a slight warming or tingling sensation in the area while the radiation machine is on. Over time, the skin in the area being treated may become dry, sore, itchy or appear sun burnt. While these feelings can be uncomfortable, usually the discomfort is not enough to stop or interrupt treatment.

Will I be radioactive after my treatment?
The radiation you receive delivers its dose to the treatment area in an instant—there is no lingering radiation once the treatment machine is turned off.  If you are treated with external beam radiation, you will not be radioactive at any time.
As you try to keep to your usual lifestyle it is important to remind friends, family, and co-workers that you will not expose them to radiation.

Does Radiotherapy cause hair-loss?
If you are undergoing just radiotherapy, you will only lose hair in the treatment area. The misconception that radiation makes you lose your hair comes from the confusion between radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as many patients begin radiotherapy right after their chemotherapy,

Chemotherapy is a “systemic” treatment, meaning it affects the whole body and so patients are likely to lose all body hair during treatment. Radiotherapy is a “local” treatment, which means it is directly focused on just the affected area and so patients only lose hair in that area.  Unless radiation is targeted at your head, you will not lose your hair from radiation.

Does radiation therapy make you feel sick?
Radiation treatment may cause a sensation of feeling sick or vomiting if your abdomen or pelvic area is being treated. Your team will inform you if this is a possible side effect for you and will prescribe appropriate medication if necessary.

Does radiation therapy involve the use of Radium?
Radiotherapy is the careful use of invisible high-energy x-rays to treat cancer and does not involve the use of radium.