Cancer Care FAQs
At Community Cancer Care, we understand that starting radiation therapy can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to help you feel informed and supported throughout your cancer care journey. Below are answers to common questions patients often have about radiation therapy.
What is radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells or prevent them from growing. It is a highly targeted therapy that focuses on the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
What types of cancer can be treated with radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy is used to treat many types of cancer, including breast, prostate, lung, head and neck, skin, and gastrointestinal cancers, among others. It can be used as a stand-alone treatment option or in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, depending on your cancer treatment plan.
How is radiation therapy planned?
Before treatment begins, you’ll have a consultation with one of our radiation oncologists to review your treatment options and care plan. Next, you will have a CT/simulation appointment, where our team uses advanced imaging to precisely map the area to be treated. This planning process ensures your radiation is delivered accurately and safely, customized to your unique anatomy and diagnosis, while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.
What should I expect during treatment?
Radiation therapy treatments are typically given five days a week and last only a few minutes each day, but you will work with your radiation oncologist to determine which course of treatment is best for your diagnosis. You’ll lie comfortably on a treatment table while the machine delivers radiation to the targeted area. The treatment itself is painless.
Will I feel the radiation?
No. You do not feel the radiation as it’s being delivered. Some patients may experience mild fatigue or skin irritation in the treated area over time, but most side effects are temporary and manageable. Your care team at Community Cancer Care will review what to expect and how to care for yourself during radiation therapy.
What happens after my radiation therapy treatment is complete?
When your course of radiation therapy ends, you’ll have a follow-up appointment with your radiation oncologist. At that appointment they will review how you’re feeling, discuss any side effects, discuss next steps, and schedule any additional visits, if necessary.
Who will be part of my care team?
Your care team at Community Cancer Care includes:
– Radiation Oncologist: Designs and oversees your treatment plan.
– Radiation Therapist: Administers your daily treatments.
– Medical Physicist & Dosimetrist: Ensure radiation is delivered safely and accurately.
– Nurses, Dietician, and Support Staff: Provide education, symptom management, and emotional support throughout your care.
– Radiation Oncologist: Designs and oversees your treatment plan.
– Radiation Therapist: Administers your daily treatments.
– Medical Physicist & Dosimetrist: Ensure radiation is delivered safely and accurately.
– Nurses, Dietician, and Support Staff: Provide education, symptom management, and emotional support throughout your care.