Radiation therapy is painless during treatment. Some side effects may cause discomfort, which should be discussed with your treatment team.
Side effects depend on the part of the body being treated. These will be discussed with you before starting treatment, so you know what to expect. If you have concerns, speak with your treatment team.
Radiation therapy only affects the treated area. If your hair is in the treatment area, it may fall out. The amount of hair loss depends on the size of the area and the radiation dose. Hair usually grows back slowly several months after treatment.
Radiation therapy does not make you radioactive. It is safe to be around friends and family during treatment.
The frequency depends on the type of cancer and the aim of your treatment. It may be a single treatment or up to 8 weeks of treatments, delivered five days per week from Monday to Friday.
The Planning CT Scan may take 1 to 2 hours. Radiation therapy treatment usually takes 10-30 minutes, but allow at least an hour if you have other appointments. You may have regular appointments with doctors, nurses, and allied health staff during the treatment course.
Friends and relatives can watch the set-up of one of your treatments. We ask that no more than one person comes into the room with you at a time. During the actual radiation treatment, they should return to the waiting room. Please let us know in advance if someone will watch your set-up so we can organise an additional staff member to explain the process.
Yes, unless advised otherwise by your doctor. If you feel tired or unwell, consider asking a friend or family member to drive you.
Yes, as long as you feel able to. Patients often experience fatigue as a side effect of treatment. If you experience fatigue or other side effects, you may wish to take a break from work.