Radiation therapy is one of the most commonly used treatments for cancer, helping to shrink tumors, kill cancer cells, or alleviate symptoms caused by the disease. For patients diagnosed with cancer in Bengaluru, a city known for its advanced healthcare infrastructure, understanding what to expect during radiation therapy can ease any anxiety and prepare them for the road ahead. With state-of-the-art facilities, such as linear accelerators and advanced imaging technologies, Bengaluru offers some of the best radiation therapy options in India.
This blog will guide you through the various stages of radiation therapy, what you can expect during your treatment, and address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you feel more informed and confident in your journey towards healing.
What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation beams to target and destroy cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which affects the entire body, radiation therapy is a localized treatment, focusing only on the area where the tumor is located. It can be used as a primary treatment or in combination with other treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.
There are two main types of radiation therapy:
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): This is the most common form of radiation therapy, where the radiation is delivered from a machine outside the body, typically using a linear accelerator.
- Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy): This involves placing a radioactive source inside the body, directly in or near the tumor.
In Bengaluru, top cancer hospitals and oncology centers offer a range of advanced radiation therapies, including Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), and TomoTherapy.
What to Expect Before Radiation Therapy
1. Initial Consultation
Before starting radiation therapy, you will have an initial consultation with a radiation oncologist. During this meeting, your doctor will review your medical history, discuss your cancer diagnosis, and determine if radiation therapy is the right treatment for you. The oncologist will explain the treatment plan, including the type of radiation therapy, the number of sessions, and any potential side effects.
2. Simulation and Planning
If radiation therapy is recommended, you will undergo a process called “simulation,” which is essential for planning your treatment. A CT scan or MRI will be used to create a 3D image of your body, allowing your oncologist to accurately map the location of the tumor. This helps in delivering radiation precisely to the cancerous cells while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.
During simulation, tiny marks or tattoos may be placed on your skin to guide the radiation beams to the exact location for each session.
3. Treatment Planning
Once the simulation is complete, your oncology team will develop a customized treatment plan. This plan will detail the radiation dose, the specific area to be targeted, and the frequency of treatments. This planning phase ensures that the maximum dose of radiation is delivered to the tumor with minimal harm to healthy tissues.
What to Expect During Radiation Therapy
1. Duration of Treatment
Radiation therapy typically involves several sessions spread over a few weeks. External beam radiation treatments are usually given 5 days a week for 5-8 weeks, depending on the type and stage of cancer. Each session lasts about 15-30 minutes, though the actual radiation exposure may take only a few minutes.
2. The Treatment Process
For external beam radiation therapy, you will lie on a treatment table, and the machine (linear accelerator) will rotate around your body to deliver radiation. The experience is painless and similar to getting an X-ray. You will be alone in the treatment room, but your radiation therapist will monitor you from a nearby control room through a video and intercom system. It’s essential to stay still during the procedure, but you can breathe normally.
3. Side Effects
Side effects from radiation therapy vary depending on the location of the treatment. Common side effects include:
- Fatigue: One of the most common side effects of radiation therapy, fatigue may increase as treatment progresses.
- Skin Reactions: The skin in the treated area may become red, dry, and sensitive.
- Hair Loss: If the treatment is targeted at areas like the head, you may experience hair loss.
- Nausea or Digestive Issues: Radiation to the abdomen can cause nausea, diarrhea, or other digestive issues.
- Other Side Effects: Depending on the location of the tumor, you may experience specific side effects, such as difficulty swallowing (for head and neck cancers) or urinary problems (for prostate cancer).
Your oncologist will monitor you regularly and may adjust your treatment plan to manage these side effects.
FAQs About Radiation Therapy in Bengaluru
- How do I know if I am a candidate for radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy is recommended based on various factors, including the type, location, and stage of cancer, as well as your overall health. Your radiation oncologist will assess your condition and decide whether radiation therapy alone or in combination with other treatments will provide the best outcome for you. - Will radiation therapy cure my cancer?
Radiation therapy can be curative for many cancers, particularly when detected in the early stages. In other cases, it is used to shrink tumors, slow down the growth of cancer, or relieve symptoms. Your doctor will explain the goals of your treatment and its expected effectiveness based on your specific diagnosis. - What should I expect after each radiation session?
Most patients can resume their normal daily activities after a radiation session. However, as treatment progresses, you may experience increasing fatigue and other side effects. Your healthcare team will provide guidance on managing these symptoms and maintaining your well-being. - How do I care for my skin during radiation therapy?
Skin care is essential during radiation therapy, as the treated area may become sensitive. Use mild, fragrance-free soaps and lotions, avoid sun exposure, and wear loose-fitting clothes to reduce irritation. Your doctor may prescribe special creams to soothe the skin if needed. - Are there long-term side effects of radiation therapy?
Most side effects of radiation therapy gradually subside after treatment ends. However, in some cases, long-term effects may occur, such as changes in skin texture, hair loss in the treated area, or the development of secondary cancers years later. Your oncologist will discuss potential long-term risks and monitor your health during follow-up visits.
Conclusion
Radiation therapy is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer, and Bengaluru offers world-class facilities to deliver this treatment with precision and care. Understanding what to expect during radiation therapy can help alleviate anxiety and ensure that you are prepared for each stage of the process, from consultation to treatment sessions and follow-up care.
Whether you are receiving treatment for brain tumors, head and neck cancers, breast cancer, or other malignancies, Bengaluru’s top oncology centers are equipped with advanced radiation therapy technologies, including IMRT, IGRT, and SBRT, to provide the best possible care. Your oncology team will guide you through every step of the treatment, ensuring that your therapy is tailored to your specific needs and health condition.
With the right knowledge and support, radiation therapy can be an effective component of your cancer treatment plan, helping you move towards recovery and a better quality of life.
To get more information visit our www.drvarunoncologist.com check out our Apple Cancer Clinic, or call us at +91 9606578058. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Linked In and X.