Radiation Therapy There are many types of cancer treatment including surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy. Your physician will evaluate for a suitable treatment plan which can be just one or multiple modalities. If a radiation therapy is required, your radiation oncologist will explain how the therapy works, its pro & con as well as sides effects during and after the treatment.
Types of Radiation Therapy
- Teletherapy or external beam radiation which uses a machine to direct radiation beams to a tumor from the outside
- Brachytherapy or radiation therapy which involves inserting a radioactive source (Iridium-192) into the cancer
*To treat prostate cancer and cervical cancer
Side Effects
- Radiation therapy is a local treatment affecting a specific organ or area. Its side effects are usually mild. Treating breast cancer with radiation therapy can cause red or darker skin on the targeted area. Oral cancer treatment can result in soreness in your mouth and throat. Or you may feel cramping discomfort in the belly after abdominal cancer radiation. These side effects may develop 2-3 weeks after your first treatment and may persist a few weeks after therapy has ended.
- Fatigue: The fatigue level varies among people. You may feel more tired if you also have other treatments such as chemotherapy together with radiation therapy. If you feel tired, please just rest more and damp down your stress.
During Treatment
After diagnosis, you will meet your medical team including surgeons, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists. You can ask or consult with them for more treatment information. Typically, you will receive more than one treatment modality. For breast cancer, the tumor will be removed by a surgeon. Radiation therapy and chemo- or hormonal therapy will be used to eliminate remaining residual cancer cells.
Appointment During the Treatment
- Please attend a weekly appointment with your radiation oncologist for treatment and side effects review. Activities of daily living suggestions or any questions you may have can be addressed during the appointment.
- Tiredness is expected during treatment. Simply take more rest. Daily activities and mild exercise can continue as usual.
- Follow your doctor’s advice.
- Eat healthy and energy-dense food like egg white, meat, and fish. Drink plenty of water.
The treated skin area is fragile and can become inflamed easily. Please follow the instructions below.
- Clean the area with warm water daily. Avoid soap as it can cause fading of radiation markers.
- Avoid lotion, perfume, talcum powder or any cosmetics containing alcohol. These products can cause dry skin.
- Do not apply an ice or hot pack on the treated area.
- Avoid sun exposure, wear protective clothes and hat to protect skin from direct sunlight
