What to expect during radiation treatment
What to expect during radiation treatment
A cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Knowing what to expect during treatment can help you feel more prepared and at ease. At Sharp, radiation treatment is carefully planned and delivered by a compassionate team of San Diego radiation oncology experts focused on your safety, comfort and well-being.
Preparing for treatment
At your first visit, a radiation oncologist will determine if you could benefit from radiation therapy.
Your doctor will review your medical history, perform a physical exam and look at prior imaging and medical records.
Additional tests may be ordered to help guide care.
You should bring photo identification, a list of medications and your insurance card.
If you and your doctor decide that you will undergo radiation treatment, your doctor will explain the treatment and have you review and sign a consent form.
Remember to bring a list of your questions.
You may find it helpful to bring a family member or friend for support.
Frequently asked questions
Radiation therapy itself is not painful, but some patients experience painful side effects during treatment or in the days and weeks after. Your care team will work with you to reduce any discomfort you may experience.
Side effects vary widely. Speak with your care team about what to expect during and after treatment. A few common side effects may include fatigue, skin changes (such as redness or irritation) and hair loss in the treated area.
Radiation therapy may cause hair loss in the area being treated. For example, radiation to the head may cause hair loss on the scalp, but radiation to another part of the body will not affect the hair on your head. This is different from chemotherapy, which can sometimes cause hair loss throughout the body.
External radiation therapy does not remain in your body after treatment. With internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy), radioactive material may remain in place for a set period of time, typically less than an hour. Once the treatment has been completed and radioactive material is removed, no radiation remains in your body.
Radiation therapy may affect fertility, depending on the treatment area and dose. Patients who may want children in the future should talk with their care team about ways to address fertility issues before starting treatment.
Radiation therapy treatment in San Diego
Receive radiation therapy treatment at one of our Sharp locations.
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