We've compiled the following list of questions frequently asked by our patients and their families. If your question isn't answered here, please feel free to contact us at any of our MRO locations.

What is radiation therapy?
Does radiation therapy hurt?
During my external radiation treatment session, will I hear or feel anything? 
Will I become radioactive?
Will I go bald?
Will I feel tired?
What percentage of cancer patients receive radiation therapy?
How long does a typical treatment take?
What are some of the cancers treated by radiation therapy?
What about side effects?
Can radiation cause cancer?

What is radiation therapy?

Radiation Therapy is a clinical specialty which utilizes very high energy X-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, or other ionizing radiation to manage and treat many types of cancer malignancies (and occasionally some non-malignant conditions).   Radiation can be administered externally or internally. You and your doctor will discuss which type works best for you.   Radiation works by "ionizing" or breaking apart atoms that make up the cell walls and other parts of cells in your treatment area. Cells exposed to radiation are unable to reproduce, but healthy cells recover more quickly than malignant cells. The trick of radiation therapy is to give enough radiation to compromise the cancer cells, while leaving enough healthy cells to repopulate and heal the exposed area.   Sometimes radiation therapy is called radiotherapy, x-ray therapy, electron beam therapy, or irradiation.  back to top

Does radiation therapy hurt?

Receiving external radiation treatments does not hurt. It is like having an X-ray. However, you will be required to lie very still and in the same position every time. This is so your radiation therapist can accurately pinpoint your treatment area each time you come in.    There may be some discomfort with internal radiation therapy treatments when the radioactive sources are being placed. Patients are often sedated or anesthetized during this procedure. This will be determined by the radiation oncologist and by the type of procedure being performed.  back to top

During my external radiation treatment session, will I hear or feel anything?

You will not feel anything during the radiation treatment. Radiation is not visible to the human eye. You will, however, hear the treatment machine make a buzzing sound while the treatment is being delivered. The machine sometimes moves during the treatment and you will hear that also.  back to top

Will I become radioactive?

External radiation therapy does not cause your body to become radioactive.   back to top

Will I go bald?

Hair loss is restricted to the treated area. In other words, radiation to the pelvis or abdomen will not cause you to lose hair on your head.   However, if you are receiving chemotherapy along with radiation, you may lose all body hair, including the hair on your head. Not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss. In most cases, hair will grow back within a few months after all therapy ends.  back to top

Will I feel tired?

Yes, you will feel tired, especially during your third week of treatment and about 4 to 6 weeks after you finish your radiation therapy. However, a 4- or 5-day treatment alone will not cause fatigue.  back to top

What percentage of cancer patients receive radiation therapy?

Approximately 60% of cancer patients receive radiation therapy. Radiation therapy may be prescribed as the only treatment for the patient, or it may be prescribed in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy.  back to top

How long does a typical treatment take?

Each external beam radiation treatment session lasts about 15 to 30 minutes. Most of that time is spent in preparation. The actual treatment only last 1 to 5 minutes.  back to top

What are some of the cancers treated by radiation therapy?

Skin, head and neck, throat, larynx, breast, brain, prostate, colo-rectal, lung, bone, leukemia, among others.  back to top

What about side effects?

Side effects of radiation therapy are often related to treatment dose and the area that is being treated. Most side effects, although unpleasant, are not serious and can be controlled with medication or diet. The most common side effects are fatigue, skin changes, and loss of appetite.   back to top

Can radiation cause cancer?

In some instances, overexposure to radiation can cause cancer. However, the therapeutic radiation you will be receiving uses very limited and targeted amounts of radiation.  back to top