What is Radiation Therapy in Teenagers

Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy waves of radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. These waves are like fast-moving X-rays. The rays are strong enough to destroy unhealthy cells.

In radiation therapy, the radiation may be delivered from outside your body or from a source of radiation that is put inside your body.

How often and how long you will need radiation therapy depends on the treatment needed for your condition.

Radiation therapy works by destroying unhealthy cells, such as cancer cells. The energy in radiation makes cancer cells stop multiplying.

This stops the cancer from spreading. Radiation therapy affects only the cells in the area of the body that gets treatment.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe treatment. Most people experience some side effects from the therapy. Side effects depend on the amount of radiation and the part of the body that was exposed to radiation. The most common side effects include:

• Tiredness (fatigue).
• Red, irritated skin where the radiation was given.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Hair loss.
• Other effects that may appear many years later, such as:
  • Inability to have a baby (infertility).
  • Developing another type of cancer.

Questions to ask your health care provider

• What kind of radiation therapy do I need?
• What are the goals of the treatment?
• How long will treatment take?
• How can I prevent or manage side effects?
• Will my fertility be affected?
• Are there long-term side effects of this treatment?
• Will I need follow-up care after radiation therapy is finished?

What happens before treatment?

If you are going to have external beam radiation therapy, you will go through practice before treatment begins (simulation session). During the simulation session:

• Your health care provider will plan exactly where the radiation will be delivered (treatment field).
• You will be positioned for your therapy. The goal is to have a position that can be reproduced for each therapy session.
• Temporary marks may be drawn on your body. Permanent marks may also be drawn on your body in order for you to be positioned the same way for each therapy session.
• A tool that holds a body part in place (immobilization device) may be used to keep the area of treatment in the correct position.

You can also take these steps to prepare for treatment:

• Ask if a parent can stay with you during the treatment.
• Have your health care provider explain anything that you do not understand.
• Talk about your fears. Do not feel embarrassed if you are afraid.

What happens during treatment?

• External beam radiation therapy. A beam of radiation comes from a machine and enters your body, targeting the specific area of cancer cells.
• Internal radiation therapy, or brachytherapy. A wire, seed, or other material that contains radiation is placed inside your body in the area of the cancer cells. Sometimes this radiation source may be left in the body permanently, even after it stops giving off radiation.
• Systemic radiation therapy. You are given a radioactive medicine that travels through your blood to kill the cancer cells. You may take the medicine by mouth or may receive it through an IV inserted into one of your veins.

Follow these instructions at home:

Radiation therapy affects everyone differently. Some people do not have side effects. If you do have side effects, you can manage them by taking these steps:

Eating and drinking

• Eat small nutritious meals and snacks regularly during the day.
• Choose bland and soft foods that are easy to eat.
• Drink plenty of clear fluids if you have diarrhea.

Skin care

• Clean your skin daily with warm water and a mild soap that is recommended by your health care provider. Do not scrub or rub your skin.
• If your skin becomes dry, ask your health care provider about the use of gentle lotions or creams.
• Use only warm water in the shower or bath. Avoid very hot water.
• Gently pat your skin dry after bathing or showering.
• Avoid scratching the treated area.
• Do not wash off the markings from the simulation until instructed to do so.
• Avoid being out in the sun. If you are in the sun, apply a sunscreen that has been approved by your health care provider.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider. These may include medicines to relieve nausea and vomiting.
• Wear soft, comfortable clothing to reduce skin discomfort.
• If you feel tired, take a short nap (30 minutes or less) during the day.
• Return to normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe.
• Try to maintain your weight during treatment. Ask your health care team for tips.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important. The visits are usually scheduled 6 weeks to 6 months after radiation therapy.

Summary

• Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy waves of radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors.
• In radiation therapy, the radiation may be delivered from outside your body or from a source of radiation that is put inside your body.
• Most people experience some side effects from the therapy. Side effects depend on the amount of radiation and the part of the body that was exposed to radiation.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.