Michael Chin Answers: Radiation Oncology FAQs

Once diagnosed with cancer, it’s very likely the patient will undergo radiation therapy. Whether the patient is you, or someone you know, here’s a short list of FAQs to help you navigate this difficult time. Most people are unfamiliar with the process of radiation therapy, so hopefully this guide provides you with some of the answers you’re looking for.

Q: What is radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy is the concept of using radiation to treat cancer. It’s often used to destroy or reduce a tumor and works by damaging the cancerous cells. It can often be used as a patient’s sole form of treatment, or used with something else, like surgery or chemotherapy. Goals for radiation therapy can be different, like completely negating the tumor’s effect, merely shrinking it to improve or extend life, or shrinking it to make surgery more easy. Talk to your doctor to clarify the goals for your radiation therapy.

Q: Are there different kinds of radiation?

Yes; the treatment team you’re working with will help you decide which type is best for you. Radiation can be delivered internally or externally. Internally, also known as brachytherapy, involves placing radiation in your body, usually through radiation “seeds”, which are tiny, metal capsules. External radiation uses a machine that shoots high energy X-rays at the location of the cancerous cells.

Q: Who administers radiation therapy?

A highly trained medical team, led by a radiation oncologist. These doctors specialize in treating cancer with radiation. When choosing a radiation oncologist, you may want to research their experience with your particular type of cancer and find someone who has a lot of experience treating that type.

Q: Is radiation therapy painful?

No, radiation therapy itself does not hurt, but some of the side effects that are associated with it may be unpleasant.

Q: What are the side effects?

Many people won’t experience any of the painful side effects, but there is a possibility the patient could experience them. Side effects often only occur in the area being treated and appear in the second or third week of treatment. These side effects include: soreness or evidence of a slight sunburn in the area being treated, slight nausea, and, most frequently, fatigue. If you have any concerns or feel strange, speak to your radiation oncologist or the nurse.