Radiation therapy is a key component in the treatment of various types of cancer. It utilizes high-energy rays, such as X-rays or proton beams, to destroy or damage cancer cells, helping to shrink tumors or eliminate them.

Types of Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy can be delivered in different ways, depending on the type of cancer and its location in the body. The main types include:

1. External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT):

• Description: This is the most common form of radiation therapy. It involves a machine that directs high-energy beams of radiation at the cancerous area from outside the body.

• Usage: commonly used to treat cancers of the head and neck, breast, prostate, and lungs.

2. Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy):

• Description: In this method, a radioactive source is placed inside or near the tumor, delivering radiation directly to the cancer cells.

• Usage: Brachytherapy is often used for cancers such as cervical, uterine, and prostate cancer.

3. Systemic Radiation Therapy:

• Description: This type of therapy involves the use of radioactive substances that travel through the bloodstream to target cancer cells throughout the body.

• Usage: Systemic radiation is used primarily for certain types of thyroid cancer and advanced prostate cancer.

How Radiation Therapy Works

Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, which inhibits their ability to reproduce and grow. While normal cells can also be affected by radiation, they have a greater ability to repair themselves compared to cancer cells. The precision of radiation therapy has greatly improved, allowing doctors to target tumors more accurately while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

What to Expect During Treatment

Radiation therapy is typically administered in multiple sessions over several weeks. Each session may last only a few minutes, but the preparation process, including positioning and imaging, can take longer. Patients will lie on a treatment table while a machine delivers radiation to the targeted area.

Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

Side effects vary depending on the area of the body being treated, the dose of radiation, and the patient’s overall health. Common side effects include:

• Skin Changes: Redness, irritation, or dryness in the treated area.

• Fatigue: Feeling tired is common during and after radiation therapy and may persist for a few weeks.

• Organ-Specific Side Effects:

1. Side Effects of Head and Neck Radiotherapy: Some patients suffer from redness, sensitivity, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, a change in sense of taste, or nausea, and ear pain. You may lose your hair, notice a change in skin texture, and feel a stiffness in your jaw. You must take care of your teeth, gums, mouth, and throat.
2. Side Effects of Chest and Breast Radiotherapy: Trouble swallowing or coughing. Inform your doctor or nurse of these symptoms.
3. Side Effects of Abdominal and Stomach Radiotherapy: Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Consult your doctor for home remedies that can help alleviate these symptoms.
4. Side Effects of Pelvic Radiotherapy:  If you receive radiation on any part of the pelvis, you may experience one or more side effects that affect the digestive system. Bladder sensitivity may occur, causing you to feel uncomfortable and urinate more often.
5. Effects of Radiotherapy on Female Fertility: Women are advised against pregnancy during radiotherapy, which may harm the fetus. If you are pregnant, inform your doctor before starting radiotherapy. Your menstrual cycle may stop during pelvic radiotherapy, and the treatment may lead to vaginal itching, burning or dryness. Inform your doctor of these symptoms for relief options.
6. Effects of Radiotherapy on Male Fertility: Testicular radiotherapy can reduce the number and effectiveness of sperm, but this does not mean that a pregnancy cannot happen. If you want to have a baby, talk to your doctor before starting radiotherapy, and discuss options for keeping your sperm in a designated bank.

Tips for Managing Side Effects

While radiation therapy is effective in treating cancer, managing its side effects is crucial for maintaining quality of life. Here are some tips:

• Skin Care: Keep the treated area clean and dry. Use only mild, non-irritating products as recommended by your healthcare provider.

• Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients can help manage fatigue and support overall health.

• Rest: Ensure you get plenty of rest and listen to your body’s signals. It’s important to balance activity with rest.

• Hair loss:  Hair loss only occurs at the site that is being treated. If you are having radiation therapy on your pelvis, you will not lose the hair on your head. But if you are being treated for a brain tumor, there is a good chance you will experience hair loss. Your hair will grow back after treatment is concluded.

• Low blood counts: Rarely, radiation therapy can cause changes in your blood count levels. These blood cells help your body fight infection and prevent bleeding. If your blood tests show low blood counts, your treatment might be stopped for a week or so to allow your blood counts to return to normal. This side effect is more likely if you’re also getting chemotherapy.

Safety and Precautions

Radiation therapy is carefully planned and administered to maximize its effectiveness while minimizing risks. If you have any concerns about the safety of radiation therapy for yourself or others, discuss them with your healthcare team.

• General Safety Measures:

Your treatment plan is carefully designed to target cancer cells while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues. During each session, the radiation dose is closely monitored to ensure your safety.

• Safety Based on Radiation Type:

• External Beam Radiation Therapy: Since the radiation comes from outside the body, you are not radioactive during or after treatment.
• Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy): A radioactive source is placed inside your body, near the cancer. You may emit a small amount of radiation, so certain precautions, like limiting visitors, may be required, especially with pregnant women and children.
• Oral/Systemic Radiation: This involves taking a radioactive substance that spreads through your body. Your bodily fluids may be temporarily radioactive, so you’ll need to take specific precautions, like using separate bathroom facilities if possible.

Support During Radiation Therapy

Going through radiation therapy can be physically and emotionally challenging. It is important to seek support from healthcare professionals, family, friends, and support groups. Talking openly about your feelings and concerns can help alleviate anxiety and improve your overall experience.