Starting medical treatment can involve many steps. Radiation therapy is a common treatment that uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It can be helpful to understand the process, including initial consultations, treatment procedures, and side-effect management.
Understanding Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy treats cancer by targeting energy precisely to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells. A machine outside the body delivers the energy (external beam radiation), or a source inside the body provides it (brachytherapy). Radiation therapy can damage the DNA of cancer cells, stopping them from growing and dividing while minimizing harm to nearby healthy tissue. Doctors use this treatment alone or combine it with other therapies.
Meeting Your Care Team
The first step in the process is a consultation with a team of radiation oncology specialists. The team includes:
- Radiation Oncologist: A medical doctor responsible for overseeing the radiation treatment plan.
- Radiation Therapist: The professional who administers daily treatments.
- Dosimetrist: An expert who calculates the appropriate radiation dose for the treatment.
- Radiation Oncology Nurse: Provides support by managing side effects and answering questions.
During this meeting, the medical history will be reviewed, and there will be an occasion to discuss treatment goals.
Planning Your Radiation Treatment
Before treatment begins, your care team will create a personalized plan. This planning phase, known as simulation, includes imaging scans like CT, MRI, or PET to map the tumor’s exact location and shape. Small ink marks or tattoos may be placed on your skin to make sure the radiation equipment is accurately aligned for each session. The team calculates the correct angles for the radiation beams and determines the optimal dose.
Experiencing Radiation Sessions
During external radiation therapy, you will not feel any pain. The session is similar to getting an X-ray; a radiation therapist will position you on a treatment table. They will use the marks on your skin to align the machine. The therapist will leave the room to operate the machine, but you can see and hear them through a monitor and intercom. The machine delivers radiation for a few minutes; you must remain still during this time.
Managing Radiation Side Effects
Side effects from radiation treatment depend on the area of the body being treated and the dose received. Some individuals experience fatigue, while others may have skin changes in the treated area, similar to a sunburn. Your care team will provide specific guidance on managing any effects that arise. General strategies often include:
- Getting plenty of rest
- Eating a balanced diet and keeping hydrated
- Caring for your skin with gentle, unscented lotions
- Communicating openly with your care team about any symptoms
Taking the Next Step in Radiation Therapy
The process of starting radiation therapy includes several stages, from understanding the treatment and meeting your care team to detailed planning and the sessions themselves. While each person’s experience will differ, this approach is designed to deliver treatment safely. If you have been recommended for radiation, the next step is to discuss your treatment plan with your healthcare provider.
