When you find out you have cancer, you most likely have questions about treatment.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It can also affect healthy cells nearby and cause side effects that depend on:
-
What type of radiation therapy is done
-
What part of your body receives the radiation
-
How long your treatment lasts
Getting support
You are not facing cancer treatment alone. Keep a list of any questions you have for your radiation therapy team. Ask these questions during your visits. Call your team if you need to.
You can also get help from:
-
Family members
-
Friends
-
Support groups (in person or online)
-
Counseling
-
Social workers, case managers, or navigators
Talk with your healthcare team if you need a referral to counseling.
Cancer resources
To learn more about cancer and to find support groups, contact the resources below:
-
American Cancer Society at ww.cancer.org or 800-227-2345
-
National Cancer Institute at ww.cancer.gov or 800-422-6237
-
American Society for Radiation Oncology at www.rtanswers.org or 703-502-1550
-
American Society of Clinical Oncology at www.cancer.net or 888-651-3038
Featured in
Online Medical Reviewer: Louise Cunningham RN BSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Richard LoCicero MD
Date Last Reviewed: 08/01/2023
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Find the right provider to meet your needs
From primary care to specialty services and more.
Find a Doctor
Call for an Appointment
Offering personalized care at more than 20 clinics across three cities and two states.
Call NowRelated Articles
Types of IV (Intravenous) Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is most often given by IV infusion (through a flexible tube placed in a vein). Depending on the type and number of medicines, the length of your IV treatment may range from hours to days.
Cancer Treatment: Your Inpatient Stay
In some cases, chemo or radiation may require an inpatient stay. Cancer patients may also need an inpatient stay for surgery or other complex procedures.
Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplant (PBSCT) for Cancer
Some types of cancer treatment damage stem cells. A peripheral blood stem cell transplant replenishes these stem cells. Learn what to expect.
Radiation Therapy Treatment
Radiation therapy uses beams of high-energy X-rays or other particles to kill cancer cells. It's a common part of cancer treatment. If you and your healthcare provider decide on radiation, you'll need a treatment planning visit called a simulation.