Understanding Radiation Therapy

Get more detailed information about radiation therapy, including what it is, how it is given, and what the possible side effects are. Also included are questions you should ask your health care team. Click on the topics below to get started.

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• Understanding Radiation Therapy: A Guide for Patients and Families
• What is radiation therapy? When is it used?
• How does radiation therapy work?
• Do the benefits outweigh the risks and side effects?
• How much does radiation treatment cost?
• Who gives radiation treatments?
• Informed consent
• How is radiation therapy given?
• External radiation therapy
• Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy)
• Systemic radiation
• Preventing and managing side effects
• Fatigue
• Skin problems
• Hair loss
• Blood count changes
• Eating problems
• How will I feel emotionally?
• Will side effects limit my activity?
• Are there long-term side effects I should be concerned about?
• Managing side effects of treatment to certain parts of the body
• Radiation therapy to the head and neck
• Radiation therapy to the brain
• Radiation therapy to the breast and chest
• Radiation therapy to the stomach and abdomen
• Radiation therapy to the pelvis
• Follow-up care
• Glossary
• Additional resources
• References