A Guide to Self-Help During Treatment

National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute

This guide is for you if you are receiving radiation therapy for cancer. Its main purpose is to help you know what to expect and how to care for yourself during your treatment. It describes external radiation therapy and brachytherapy using radiation implants, the two most common types of radiation therapy. Information is included on radiation therapy methods and the general effects of treatment. There are also some self-help "pointers" for specific side effects.

You may not want to read this whole guide at one time. Browse through it, read the sections that are of interest to you right now, and look at the others as needed. Because your treatment will be planned specially for you and the type of cancer you have, some sections of the guide will not apply to you.

Radiation therapy can vary among different doctors and hospitals. Therefore, your treatment program or the advice of your doctor (the radiation oncologist) may differ 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 information that might help you.

Words that relate to radiation therapy and other aspects of cancer care appear underlined throughout this document. Click on these words to see their definition in the "Glossary." Knowing the meanings of words can help you understand more about your illness and the roles of the people involved in your care. The "Resources" section tells you how to get more information about cancer and services for cancer patients from the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.

We hope this information will help you understand how radiation therapy is used to treat cancer. Knowing what to expect when you go for your treatments should lessen the anxiety you may be feeling. Don't forget to call on your health care team whenever you need more information.

The National Cancer Institute would like to thank the numerous health professionals and patients who have assisted with the development and review of this information.