Radiation Therapy Starter Guide: 10 Key Questions to Ask Before Treatment
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Radiation therapy is not a “future option”—it’s a concrete step in your cancer treatment plan. Entering this stage with clarity and preparation will give you greater confidence and control. This guide summarizes 10 key questions you should ask before starting radiotherapy, helping you face treatment with confidence and strategy.
1. How does radiation kill cancer cells?
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays, electron beams, protons, or heavy ions to damage cancer cell DNA. This prevents cancer cells from dividing and leads to tumor shrinkage or destruction. Healthy cells, unlike cancer cells, have the ability to repair themselves after treatment (American Cancer Society; Cancer.gov).
2. What types of radiation therapy exist—and which is right for me?
- External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT): Most common form.
- Brachytherapy (internal radiation): Radioactive sources placed close to or inside the tumor.
- Systemic Radiation Therapy: Radioactive drugs taken orally or injected to target cancer throughout the body.
The choice depends on tumor location, size, and treatment goals (Cleveland Clinic; MedlinePlus).
3. How many sessions will I need? What is the process?
Radiation therapy usually follows these steps:
- Simulation & Positioning: Making molds, marking target sites, and CT scans for planning.
- Treatment Planning: Designing the radiation dose and beam angles.
- Daily Treatment: Usually once per day, five days a week, for several weeks.
Preparation typically takes 3–5 working days before actual treatment begins (ASTRO; OncoLink).
4. Will it hurt? Will it feel like burning?
No. Radiation therapy is completely painless. The machine does not touch the skin, and you will not feel heat, electricity, or burning. Communication with the technician is maintained throughout via intercom (Healthline; OncoLink).
5. Will I become “radioactive” after treatment?
- External beam radiation: You are not radioactive afterward and pose no risk to others.
- Brachytherapy or systemic radiation: In some cases, temporary precautions or isolation may be needed to protect family members (SELF; Cancer.gov).
6. What side effects should I expect, and how can I manage them?
Side effects depend on the treatment site:
| Treatment Area | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Head & Neck | Dry mouth, mouth sores, skin irritation |
| Chest | Esophagitis, cough, skin redness |
| Abdomen / Pelvis | Diarrhea, abdominal pain, urinary frequency |
Head & Neck
Common Side Effects: Dry mouth, mouth sores, skin irritation
Chest
Common Side Effects: Esophagitis, cough, skin redness
Abdomen / Pelvis
Common Side Effects: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, urinary frequency
Modern techniques have reduced serious side effects to 15–20% or less (Verywell Health).
7. What equipment and technologies are available? Should I consider private upgrades?
- Linear Accelerator (Linac): Standard equipment, compatible with IMRT/VMAT for high precision.
- IGRT (Image-Guided Radiotherapy): Uses daily imaging for accuracy.
- Proton or Heavy-Ion Therapy: More precise, spares healthy tissue, but much higher cost and usually for complex tumors.
Private upgrades mainly reduce side effects, but survival outcomes are often similar to public-standard treatments (Wikipedia; Verywell Health).
8. Will radiation affect memory or cognitive function?
Radiation is localized, so it only affects the targeted area. Unless the brain or key cognitive areas are treated, it will not impair memory or focus.
9. Will radiation affect fertility?
- Women: Pelvic radiation may affect ovarian function.
- Men: Whole-body or testicular radiation may impair sperm production.
Patients planning a family should discuss fertility preservation options before starting treatment.
10. How will follow-up be done after treatment?
After completing therapy, follow-up includes:
- Symptom review and side-effect monitoring
- Imaging tests (CT, MRI, PET)
- Regular check-ups to track tumor response and recovery
Follow-up schedules depend on cancer type and treatment results (OncoLink; MedlinePlus).
Hong Kong Patient Preparation Checklist
- Prepare a list of questions and bring a family member or friend for support.
- Understand available equipment and costs—ask your doctor about differences between public and private treatment.
- Arrange transportation—daily hospital visits can be tiring.
- Skin and oral care: Stock up on moisturizers and mouth care products.
- Nutrition and hydration: Strengthen your body during therapy.
- Psychological support: Join mindfulness groups, patient networks, or counseling.
- Track side effects early: Report skin changes, fatigue, or pain promptly.
- Fertility consultation: Plan ahead if family planning is important.
- Know your team: Radiation oncologists, therapists, nurses, and nutritionists will guide you through.
Conclusion
Radiation therapy is a powerful, precise tool in cancer care. Entering treatment with clear knowledge and preparation helps patients feel more in control, improves tolerance, and enhances overall quality of life.
By asking the right questions, Hong Kong patients can make informed, confident decisions—turning radiation therapy from a frightening unknown into a structured, manageable journey.
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References
- American Cancer Society. (2025). Radiation therapy overview. Cancer.org
- Cancer.gov. (2025). Radiation therapy basics.
- Healthline. (2024). How to prepare for radiation.
- OncoLink. (2025). Questions to ask during your radiation oncology consultation.
- Cleveland Clinic. (2025). Radiation therapy types.
- Verywell Health. (2024). Radiation side effects explained.
- Wikipedia contributors. (2025). Image-guided radiation therapy.
- ASTRO. (2024). Radiation therapy treatment process.