Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is a treatment where radiation is used to kill cancer cells [1]. The radiation is carefully aimed at the area being treated to do as little harm as possible to nearby healthy tissue [1].

Radiotherapy may be used to try to cure a cancer, to make another treatment such as chemotherapy or surgery more effective, to lower the risk of a cancer coming back after surgery, or to relieve symptoms when a cure is not possible [1].

The most common type is external radiotherapy, where a machine directs beams of radiation at the cancer from outside the body [1]. Radiation can also be given from inside the body, for example through a small implant placed near the cancer (brachytherapy) or as a liquid you swallow or receive as an injection [1].

External radiotherapy is usually given during short hospital visits, and you can normally go home the same day [1]. Treatment with an implant or a radioactive liquid may mean a short stay in hospital [1]. External radiotherapy does not make you radioactive, but some internal treatments mean taking precautions around others for a short time [1].

Radiotherapy can cause side effects, which depend on the part of the body being treated [1]. Common ones include tiredness, sore or reddened skin in the treated area, hair loss in that area, feeling sick, and a reduced appetite [1]. Most side effects are temporary and tend to improve after treatment ends [1].

Your care team will tell you what to look out for and how to reach them [1]. Contact them if your side effects are getting worse or you feel unwell, so they can help you manage them [1].