Radiation Therapy
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click on a question below for more information and answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about radiation therapy.
What happens on a typical treatment day?
Each day, the patient checks in with the receptionist at the scheduled treatment appointment time. A radiation therapist escorts the patient into the treatment room, where clothes covering the treatment fields are removed. The patient is positioned on the treatment table in the treatment position. Sheets and blankets are available to provide privacy and comfort. The shielding block for the first treatment field is placed in the machine. The therapists confirm the position, touch up the lines that outline the field, and then leave the room. The machines are turned on for the appropriate treatment dose and time.
Once the treatment is completed, the therapists position the machine for the next treatment field, and the process is repeated until all fields have been treated. After the treatment is completed for the day, the patient can dress and go home.
Once a week, the radiation oncologist meets with the patient to determine how well the patient is reacting to the treatment and to answer questions from the patient or family. However, if the patient develops a new problem during the week, the radiation oncologist, nurse, or other designated person is available to assist the patient.
What are the side-effects of radiation therapy?
The side effects of radiation therapy depend on the area of the body that is exposed to the radiation, as well as the dose given. There are two common side effects among most patients: fatigue and skin irritation. The fatigue usually begins after several weeks of treatment and may continue for 2 to 3 months afterward.
Skin irritation occurs on the area of the body being treated, whether the radiation is given superficially or deeply into the body, and depends on the dose of radiation given. The skin becomes red, dry, and itchy. Occasionally the skin becomes blistered. The radiation oncologist provides the patient with instructions for cleaning the skin and treating the irritation when this occurs.
A number of other side effects are possible and depend on where the radiation is given. Hair loss may occur in the field of radiation. If radiation is not being given to the head, however, hair loss from the scalp does not occur. If the treatment is to the mouth, throat, or neck, side effects may include a sore mouth, dry mouth, and difficulty swallowing. Treatment to the lung may irritate the lung and esophagus, causing coughing and increased sputum production as well as some difficulty swallowing. Treatment to the abdomen may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Treatment to the pelvis may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, as well as rectal, bladder, and vaginal irritation.
Most of the side effects caused by radiation therapy resolve within 4 to 6 weeks of completing treatment. Long-term effects of treatment may include some permanent changes in the color and elasticity of the skin in the treatment field. Other changes depend on the site of treatment and the dose. These effects are discussed by the radiation oncologist before the start of any treatment.
Responsibilities of the patient and family
To avoid delays in treatment and potential problems, the patient and family have several responsibilities. The first is to provide the radiation oncologist with an accurate and detailed medical history, medication list, and allergy list. If the patient has received any treatments for cancer in the past, including radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, or biological therapy, it is important to provide the radiation oncologist with the name, address, and phone number of the appropriate physician(s). Delays in obtaining outside records can hamper the start of treatment.
The second responsibility is a commitment to the treatment plan. This includes arriving on time for appointments, not removing the marks on the skin, and reporting side effects or other problems that the patient may experience. The earlier a new problem is identified, the sooner it can be managed and, it is hoped, solved. This includes problems with insurance, housing, transportation or employment, in addition to physical side effects related to the treatment. It is also important to try to follow recommendations for taking medications and nutritional supplements. Following these recommendations can help avoid a break in the treatment course, which can have a negative impact on the desired outcome.
Is radiation therapy expensive?
Treatment of cancer with radiation can be costly. It requires very complex equipment and the services of many health care professionals. The exact cost of your radiation therapy will depend on the type and number of treatments you need.
Most health insurance policies, including Part B of Medicare, cover charges for radiation therapy. In some states, the Medicaid program may help you pay for treatments. You can find out from the office that handles social services in your city or county whether you are eligible for Medicaid and whether your radiation therapy is a covered expense.
If you need financial aid, contact the Cancer Information Service, or the local office of the American Cancer Society. They may be able to direct you to sources of help.