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7 Common FAQ’s and Misconceptions About Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses rays or beams of intense energy to kill cancer cells. It often uses X-rays, but protons or other energy types can also be used.

During this therapy, a high-energy beam comes out of a machine that aims at a precise point on your body. It damages the cancer cells in your body by destroying the genetic material that controls cell growth and division. Although both healthy and cancerous cells get damaged by radiation therapy, the goal is to destroy as few healthy cells as possible.

Let’s talk about some common FAQs and misconceptions about radiation therapy.

Common FAQs

1. Is there any pain after the radiation treatment?

Ans: Usually, you will not feel any pain after the radiation treatment. It is very much like having an X-ray, but sometimes a sunburn effect may cause the area to be gentle.

2. Does radiation therapy result in hair loss?

Ans: Radiation therapy may cause hair loss, also known as alopecia. But this happens only in the area being treated. For example, if you are receiving your hip treatment, you will not lose hair from your head.

Whereas radiation on your head may cause hair loss from your scalp. Many patients find that their hair grows again within a couple of days after the treatment. The amount of hair that grows back depends on how much and what kind of radiation you have received.

3. Does radiation therapy increase the chances of getting more cancer?

Ans: Radiation therapy for treating one cancer can trigger the risk of developing another cancer later. The factors that affect the risk include the amount of radiation used and the treatment area. However, the chances of developing another cancer after the first radiation treatment are nearly 1 to 5 percent.

4. Can it cause nausea and vomiting?

Ans: Radiation therapy to the head, neck and any part of the digestive tract may cause nausea and vomiting. Make sure you inform your oncologist if this happens. He will prescribe you certain medicines to control it. However, you might also practice relaxation techniques and biofeedback to control and reduce feelings of nausea.

Have queries or concern ?

5. Is it safe for the babies to be around radiation patients?

Ans: A child is safe by being around you when you’re receiving external radiation or any other cancer treatment. The National Cancer Institute states that external radiation treatment does not make you radioactive.

6. Is radiation therapy safe?

Ans: Radiation therapy has been successful in treating patients for over 100 years. It will focus on the cancer cells while avoiding the healthy organs. Before receiving radiation therapy, the oncology team will carefully organize your plan to make sure that you receive safe and accurate treatment.

A special computer will monitor and double-check the treatment machines, making sure that proper treatment is given to you.

7. Can radiation therapy inside the body cause the person to be radioactive?

Ans: Radiation lasts in the body for just 5 to 10 minutes. As soon as the person is out of the room, they get normal. Therefore, no certain changes in the body can cause the person to be radioactive.

Conclusion

Radiation Therapy is an effective way to treat cancer. A surgeon uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. Therefore, if you’re developing any cancer cells in your body, consult an oncologist for your radiation therapy.

If you have any questions regarding radiation therapy, you can book an appointment with our experts.