Radiation Therapy
What is radiation therapy? (also referred to as Radiotherapy)
Radiation therapy is a form of cancer treatment that directs high-energy
x-ray beams at tumours. It is used to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumours.
How does radiation therapy work?
Radiation therapy is an effective treatment because it affects how cancer cells are made, making them unable to grow and repair themselves.
Radiation therapy is a powerful treatment affecting only the part of the
body being treated (the area of the tumour). When the radiation passes
through the cancer cells in the body it causes damage that prevents the cell
from growing and /or producing more cancer cells. The same can be true for
the healthy cells the radiation passes through causing them to be damaged.
This damage to healthy cells may cause side effects. This effect to healthy
tissue is usually temporary and the healthy cells will heal themselves.
Does radiation treatment use radioactive substances?
Some types of specialized radiation treatment use radioactive substances.
At GRRCC, equipment called linear accelerators are used to give radiation
therapy treatment. Similar to turning a light switch on and off, linear
accelerators only give off radiation when they are turned on and are not
radioactive when they are turned off.
How is radiation therapy treatment given?
Radiation therapy is given in a number of treatment sessions ranging from
a single treatment up to 35 or more treatments. The treatment is usually
given daily (Monday to Friday) in an appointment that ranges from 15 to 30
minutes in length.
Who receives radiation therapy?
At your consultation appointment at the cancer clinic, your health care
team will work with you to determine your best treatment plan. Depending on
the type of cancer you have, radiation therapy may be offered as a treatment
option.
Where do you receive radiation therapy?
You will receive your treatments in the
radiation treatment suite on the
third floor (main floor) of the Cancer Centre.
How long does radiation treatment last?
Most of your 15 to 30 minute appointment time will involve the radiation
therapists positioning you correctly for treatment. The actual time the
radiation machine is on can be from 30 seconds to a few minutes.
Can my family member come in the radiation treatment suite with me?
Family members may request to the Radiation Therapists to view the treatment room and machine during one of the scheduled appointments just prior to your treatment. No one other than the patient is inside the treatment room while the radiation beam is turned on (for approximately 15-30 seconds). For day-to-day treatments, family members are not permitted in the treatment room.
Are there any side effects?
Radiation treatment destroys cancer cells but can also affect normal healthy cells in the treatment area. Side effects of radiation treatment are related to what area is having treatment. Some people have none to very few side effects while others have more significant side effects. Once you and your health care team have determined your treatment plan, the doctor, nurse and radiation therapist will review any potential side effects with you and give you advice on how to manage them.
What questions should I ask my health care team?
Since radiation therapy is very specific to each person, you may want to
ask your health care team at the Cancer Centre the following questions:
click here