1. Is radiation therapy painful?
No, the actual procedure is painless—like getting an X-ray. However, some side effects like
skin irritation or fatigue may develop after a few sessions.
2. Will I feel sick after radiation therapy?
It depends on the area treated. For example, abdominal radiation may cause nausea, while
breast radiation usually doesn’t.
3. Will I lose my hair from radiation?
Only in the area being treated. For example, scalp radiation may cause hair loss on the head,
but radiation to the breast or pelvis won’t.
4. Is radiation therapy safe?
Yes. Modern radiation therapy is precisely planned and carefully monitored to ensure safety
and effectiveness.
5. How long does a typical radiation treatment take?
Each session usually lasts 10–15 minutes, though the actual radiation is delivered in just a
few minutes.
6. How many sessions will I need?
It varies. Some cancers need 5–7 weeks of daily treatment, while others (like SBRT) may
need only 1–5 sessions.
7. Can I drive myself to and from treatment?
Most patients can. However, if you’re fatigued or receiving medications that impair
alertness, it’s better to have help.
8. Will radiation therapy affect my ability to have children?
It might, especially if the pelvis is treated. Fertility preservation should be discussed before
starting treatment.
9. Can I continue working during radiation therapy?
Yes, many patients continue working. It depends on your energy level, job demands, and
side effects.
10. Can I eat normally during radiation treatment?
Usually yes, unless you’re receiving radiation to the abdomen, throat, or head and neck. In
such cases, dietary modifications may help.
11. Will radiation therapy make me radioactive?
No for external beam radiation. Yes, temporarily, for some internal (brachytherapy) and
systemic radioactive treatments.
12. Can I be around children and pregnant women during treatment?
Yes for external radiation. For internal or systemic therapies, your doctor may advise limited
contact for a few days.
13. What side effects can I expect?
Common ones include:
- Fatigue
- Skin redness
- Hair loss (in the treatment area)
- Site-specific symptoms (e.g., urinary issues for pelvic radiation)
14. How can I reduce side effects during radiation therapy?
Stay hydrated, eat nutritious food, rest well, and follow your doctor’s skin care and hygiene
instructions.
15. Will radiation therapy cure my cancer?
It depends on the cancer type, stage, and treatment intent (curative vs palliative). Your
oncologist will explain expected outcomes.
16. Can I take vitamins or supplements during radiation?
Consult your oncologist. Some antioxidants might interfere with radiation effectiveness.
17. What is the difference between radiation therapy and chemotherapy?
Radiation targets a specific area using energy beams. Chemotherapy circulates in the
bloodstream and affects the whole body.
18. Will I need chemotherapy with radiation?
Sometimes. Combined chemoradiation is used in several cancers like cervical, head &
neck, and lung cancers.
19. What happens after radiation therapy ends?
You’ll have follow-up visits, and scans may be done after a few weeks or months to assess
the response.
20. Can cancer come back after radiation therapy?
It’s possible. Regular follow-ups and scans help detect recurrences early. Radiation can
often be used again, depending on the situation.