Cancerbackup: Radiotherapy
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Radiotherapy treats cancer by using high-energy x-rays, which destroy the cancer cells while doing as little harm as possible to normal cells. It is most often used to try to shrink the cancer if it is causing pain, or to treat cancer that has spread to the brain or the bones.
The treatment is given in the hospital radiotherapy department as an outpatient. Radiotherapy is often given in divided doses called fractions. When used to relieve symptoms, radiotherapy is usually given for a few minutes every day for a few days. Your doctor will discuss the treatment with you.
After positioning you will be left alone for a few minutes while treatment is given, but you can still talk to your radiographer via an intercom
Side effects
Radiotherapy can cause general side effects such as feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting) and tiredness (fatigue). These effects are usually mild when the radiotherapy is given to relieve symptoms. The doctor who plans your radiotherapy (clinical oncologist) will be able to advise you about what to expect. Usually side effects disappear gradually once your course of treatment is over but it is important to let your doctor know if they continue.
Content last reviewed: 01 November 2007
Page last modified: 14 January 2009
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