Do you have radiation questions? Start here!

Have you just been diagnosed with cancer and told that you need radiation therapy? Or maybe you are in the middle of radiation treatment and need support with nutrition and side effects, or have questions about late effects and survivorship?

We have a library of free articles, covering many topics, that can help answer your questions.

Use these links to jump to the section that applies to you:

How can I prepare for the start of radiation therapy?
I’ve started radiation therapy and still have questions. Help!
I’ve had my last radiation treatment. Now what?

How can I prepare for the start of radiation therapy?

The basics. First, you may want to learn about the basics of radiation therapy and what to expect during the radiation process, from beginning to end. From tattoos you may need to fiducial markers that are placed into your soft tissue days or weeks before you start your radiation therapy, we’ve got information to help you through these steps.

Radiation types. Knowing how different types of radiation work can make your treatment a little less scary. There are many types of radiation, but your care team will tell you exactly which kind you will be getting.

Consult and consent. Being prepared for your first few appointments can help ease any fears or anxiety you may have. Learn about your consultation with your radiation oncology team and consent for treatment. Remember, you are a member of your care team, too!

Meet the team. Another great way to get ready for treatment is to learn about your radiation care team, who will be planning your treatments and in the treatment room with you and following up with you when your treatment is done.

Get to know the treatment room. Are you more of a visual learner? We have a helpful video that explains what to expect during radiation therapy. This is also a great way to get to know some of the machines and equipment that you may see during treatment.

Know the tools. Speaking of equipment, there are certain tools your care team may need to use at different times during your treatment. Tools used to manage or track your breathing help you have the best and most accurate treatment possible. If your radiation treatment field includes your lungs, chest (breasts), or abdomen (belly), these types of tools may be used for your treatment.

If your treatment area includes the brain, head & neck, and upper spine areas, you may need a mask and headrest. If the idea of a mask makes you anxious or nervous, we have a helpful article on how to talk through these fears with your care team.

I’ve started radiation therapy and still have questions. Help!

Side effects. Not only is it normal to have more questions and concerns that come up during treatment, it’s expected! Your care team will be keeping a close eye on you, but some of our articles may help you know which side effects you may have and the ones to report to your care team right away.

Caring for yourself. It is important that aside from showing up to your appointments, you take time to care for yourself. From proper nutrition, protecting your skin, managing fatigue, and paying attention to your emotional needs, we have information to help you through the radiation process.

I’ve had my last radiation treatment. Now what?

Learn about late effects. Late effects are side effects that happen months to years after you have finished treatment for cancer. You can have late effects from radiation therapy, as well as from chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and some other “systemic” treatments (medications that go through your whole body).

Keep a healthy lifestyle after cancer treatment. Once treatment for cancer ends, your questions and concerns about your health do not! It is important to continue a healthy lifestyle after your treatment. You may have new fears and anxieties about no longer being in active treatment in your life after cancer. This is completely normal.

You are a survivor. Talk with your primary care provider and your cancer care team about your fears. A great way to stay on top of your health after cancer treatment is to make a survivorship care plan. A survivorship care plan is a summary of the treatments you received and what you and your healthcare providers will need in the future to keep you healthy. It goes over possible late effects, their prevention, symptoms, and treatment, recommendations for cancer screening, psychosocial effects, financial issues, how to live a healthy lifestyle, genetic counseling, referrals for follow-up care, and a list of support resources. You are not alone!

Have more questions about radiation therapy and cancer treatment? 

See our complete radiation therapy section for more information! 

We also have a large library of information about all aspects of cancer care—from diagnostic tests, side effects, medication teaching sheets, financial tools, emotional and supportive care, surgical procedures, and more. Visit OncoLink.org to explore more.