Radiation therapy may vary somewhat among different doctors, hospitals, and treatment centers. Therefore, your treatment or the advice of your doctor (the radiation oncologist) may be different from what you read here. Be sure to ask questions and discuss your concerns with your doctor, nurse, or radiation therapist. Ask whether they have any additional written information that might help you.

FAST FACTS ABOUT RADIATION THERAPY

Radiation treatments are painless. External radiation treatment does not make you radioactive. Treatments are usually scheduled every day except Saturday and Sunday. You need to allow 30 minutes for each treatment session although the treatment itself takes only a few minutes. It's important to get plenty of rest and to eat a well-balanced diet during the course of your radiation therapy. Skin in the treated area may become sensitive and easily irritated. Side effects of radiation treatment are usually temporary and they vary depending on the area of the body that is being treated.

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