This factsheet gives you information about radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is a treatment that is used to treat certain types of cancer. It is also sometimes used to control the symptoms of cancer.
What is cancer?
The organs and tissues of the body are made up of tiny building blocks called cells. Cancer is a disease of these cells. Although cells in each part of the body may look and work differently, most repair and reproduce themselves in the same way. Normally this takes place in an orderly and controlled way, but if the process gets out of control the cells will divide much more rapidly than normal cells and will form a lump which is called a tumour. Tumours can be either benign or malignant. A benign tumour can grow and cause problems by pressing on nearby structures but it cannot spread to other parts of the body. The cells of a malignant tumour can spread and destroy surrounding tissues. They can also spread to other parts of the body. Cancer is the name given to a malignant tumour. Many people with cancer will have radiotherapy as part of their treatment.
What is radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy treats cancer by using high-energy rays (radiation) which destroy the cancer cells, while doing as little harm as possible to normal cells. It only affects cells in the part of the body to which it is given. It is given in the radiotherapy department at the hospital.
Radiotherapy can be given from an external machine (similar to an x-ray machine) and is then known as external radiotherapy. Sometimes internal radiotherapy is used. Internal radiotherapy can be given either by placing radioactive (translation in brackets) material known as a source, close to, or inside, the tumour, or by giving a radioactive liquid. The radioactive liquid is either given as a drink or as an injection into a vein.
Your treatment will be planned by a clinical oncologist (translation/explanation in brackets) or radiotherapist (translation/explanation in brackets): a doctor that specialises in radiotherapy treatment. The doctor will be able to discuss the treatment with you and answer any questions you may have. The treatment will be given by a radiographer.
Planning your treatment>
Some radiotherapy treatments are very simple, but others may need careful planning beforehand. If your type of treatment does need some preparation this may mean having some x-rays or scans. It may also mean that you may have a session lying under a large machine called a simulator. The simulator takes special x-rays or scans of the area to be treated. Treatment planning is a very important part of radiotherapy and it may take several visits over a week or two before the planning is complete.
It is a good idea to take someone with you who speaks both your language and English, when you first go for radiotherapy. Interpreters may also be available if you need one.
If you are having external radiotherapy, marks will be made on your skin to show the radiographer where the rays are to be directed. The marks will be made using inks that will show up on your skin. Some of these marks may be permanent. If you would prefer not to have permanent marks, please discuss this with your radiotherapist.
External radiotherapy
External radiotherapy is normally given as a series of short daily treatments. High energy x-rays are directed from a machine at the area of the cancer. The treatments are usually given from Monday to Friday, with a rest at the weekend. The number of treatments will depend on the type and size of the cancer but the whole course of treatment for early cancer may last a few weeks. Each treatment takes from 10 to 15 minutes. Your doctor will discuss the treatment and possible side effects with you.
Sometimes, if radiotherapy is being used to ease an unpleasant symptom, like pain, you may need only one treatment with a single visit as an out-patient.
Before each session of radiotherapy the radiographer will position you carefully on the couch and make sure that you are comfortable. During your treatment you will be left alone in the room, but you will be able to talk to the radiographer who will be watching you carefully from the next room.
To maintain your dignity, you may want to be covered by a sheet or a robe. Please discuss this with the doctor or radiographer before you start treatment.
Radiotherapy is not painful but you do have to lie still for a few minutes while your treatment is being given. The treatment will not make you radioactive and it is perfectly safe for you to be with other people, including children, after your treatment.
Your skin may become sore in the area being treated. Perfumed soaps, creams or deodorants may irritate the skin and should not be used during the treatment. It is a good idea to ask the radiographer or nurse about any products or oils that you may normally use to wash the area being treated with radiotherapy, as some may not be recommended. Some useful tips are also provided under ‘Coping with radiotherapy’ later in this factsheet.
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