1. What is radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy, sometimes referred to as radiotherapy, is a medical procedure that targets and kills
cancer cells using high-energy radiation.
2. How does radiation treatment operate?
Cancer cells' DNA is harmed by radiation, which stops the cells from proliferating and reproducing. In the
end, this results in the cancer cells dying.
3. Which cancer types are candidates for radiation therapy treatment?
Radiation therapy is a treatment option for a number of cancers, including skin cancer, brain tumors, head
and neck cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer.
4. What kinds of radiation therapy are there?
Radiation therapy comes in two primary forms: brachytherapy, which involves inserting radiation near the
cancer within the body, and external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), which delivers radiation from outside
the body.
5. What adverse consequences can radiation therapy cause?
The area being treated, the radiation dose, and other variables can all affect the side effects of radiation
therapy. Fatigue, skin irritation, hair loss (in the treated area), nausea, and appetite changes are typical
adverse effects. Long-term adverse consequences could potentially happen, like harm to adjacent organs.
6. How is the course of radiation therapy planned?
A group of medical experts, including medical physicists and radiation oncologists, will meticulously arrange
the course of treatment prior to beginning radiation therapy. This entails figuring out the right radiation
dosage, the quantity of therapy sessions (fractions), and the exact region to target.
7. Does radiation therapy cause pain?
Although radiation therapy is harmless in and of itself, the area being treated may experience discomfort or
adverse consequences. For instance, individuals receiving radiation therapy for breast cancer may have
common side effects such as fatigue and skin irritation.
8. What is the duration of radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy time varies based on the patient's overall health, the treatment strategy, and the type and
stage of the cancer. While some individuals may need a shorter course of treatment, others may get radiation
therapy for several weeks.
9. Can I work or drive during radiation therapy?
Patients can typically continue working and driving while receiving radiation therapy. Talking about any
worries or possible restrictions with your medical team is crucial, though.
10. Will radiation treatment cause me to lose my hair?
Radiation therapy does not frequently cause hair loss unless the scalp is part of the treated area. Hair loss
may occur in certain regions if radiation therapy is directed towards the head