- 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 therapy
- 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
- To learn more
- References
To learn more
More information from your American Cancer Society
The following related information may also be helpful to you. These materials may be ordered from our toll-free number at 1-800-227-2345 or read on our Web site at www.cancer.org.
More on radiation treatment
Radiation Therapy Principles (also in Spanish)
More on radiation side effects
Radiation Therapy Side Effects Worksheet
Pain Control: A Guide for Those With Cancer and Their Loved Ones (also in Spanish)
Sexuality for the Man With Cancer (also in Spanish)
Sexuality for the Woman With Cancer (also in Spanish)
Caring for the Patient With Cancer at Home: A Guide for Patients and Families (also in Spanish)
Nutrition for the Person With Cancer: A Guide for Patients and Families (also in Spanish)
Understanding Your Lab Test Results
Other cancer treatments
Understanding Cancer Surgery: A Guide for Patients and Families (also in Spanish)
Understanding Chemotherapy: A Guide for Patients and Families (also in Spanish)
Work and finance information
Americans With Disabilities Act: Information for People Facing Cancer (also in Spanish)
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (also in Spanish)
What Is COBRA? (also in Spanish)
Working During Cancer Treatment
Returning to Work After Cancer Treatment
National organizations and Web sites*
Along with the American Cancer Society, other sources of information and support include:
American College of Radiology (ACR)
Toll-free number: 1-800-227-5463
Web site:www.acr.org
The Web site has information on radiology procedures, radiation safety, FAQs, and a radiology glossary. It also offers a listing of accredited treatment facilities.
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)
Toll-free number: 1-800-962-7876
Web site: www.rtanswers.org
Online brochures on radiation therapy are available, as is a locator to find registered radiation oncologists
National Cancer Institute
Toll-free number: 1-800-422-6237 (1-800-4-CANCER)
Web site: www.cancer.gov
The Web site includes accurate, up-to-date information about cancer for patients, their families, and the general public that covers a variety of cancer-related topics. It also provides clinical trial information and a matching service for patients.
No matter who you are, we can help. Contact us anytime, day or night, for cancer-related information and support. Call us at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org. We want to help you get well.
Last Medical Review: 01/24/2013
Last Revised: 01/24/2013