If you have cancer, there are a number of treatment options. One of the most common is radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is used to treat a wide variety of cancers, and may be used alone or in conjunction with other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or surgery. Each patient’s treatment will be determined by his/her doctors depending on the type and stage of cancer.
Radiation works to shrink or eliminate tumors, and prevent from cancer reoccurring. It does this by damaging the DNA molecules in the cancer cells, so they stop dividing or die. This type of cancer treatment can be delivered by:
- A machine outside of body
- Radiation materials placed inside the body
- Injection into the blood stream
Radiation treatment may be one of the most intimidating parts of a cancer journey. It can be hard to know what to expect in regards to what the treatment is like, if it hurts, how long does it last, and more.
Read the articles below to find out what to expect before, during, and after radiation treatment for cancer.
Undergoing treatment for cancer is never an easy process. However, knowing what to expect makes things a little easier for you and your loved ones.
array(2) { ["medical_post"]=> object(WP_Post)#7583 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(69581) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2015-08-01 12:57:50" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2015-08-01 16:57:50" ["post_content"]=> string(1505) "What Do You Need to Bring to the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Radiation Oncology Site?
- A government-issued photo ID
- Health insurance information
- Current medications
- Any related medical documents from non-UPMC providers
What Should You Expect From Your First Visit to a UPMC Hillman Cancer Center?
When you first arrive, a member of the radiation oncology team at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center will take your vital signs, review your medical history and complete a patient assessment for you. Then a radiation oncologist will review your case including your recent scans and tests, and discuss with you how radiation therapy could play in your care. If you decide to move ahead with radiation therapy, a UPMC representative will schedule a simulation/planning appointment with you. Please plan to stay for about two hours for the first visit to the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Radiation Facility, and it's best to arrive 15 minutes early! Watch our video series "What to Expect During, Before, and After Radiation Treatment". Have any questions? Contact our experts at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center today! " ["post_title"]=> string(72) "Your First Visit to a UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Radiation Oncology Site" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(151) "What do you need to bring to UPMC CancerCenter? What should you expect from your first visit? Watch this brief video to find answers to your questions." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(40) "first-visit-to-a-radiation-oncology-site" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(59) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=69581" ["menu_order"]=> int(674) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(104) "You may be wondering what to expect when you go in for your first visit. Plan to be there for two hours." }Your First Visit to a UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Radiation Oncology Site
You may be wondering what to expect when you go in for your first visit. Plan to be there for two hours.Watch Now
array(2) { ["medical_post"]=> object(WP_Post)#7279 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(69591) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2015-07-25 12:50:38" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2015-07-25 16:50:38" ["post_content"]=> string(1785) "What Is a Simulation Planning Session and What Are the Procedures?
A simulation planning session is required before your radiation therapy can begin. The process will ensure that the radiation therapy is most effective with the least impact on the rest of your body. Watch our video about the simulation planning session.Something to keep in mind before your simulation planning session:
- Please remember to bring a photo ID as you will be asked to show it.
- In case some marker used during your planning session rubs off on your clothing, it's best to wear comfortable clothes in dark colors.
What to Expect During the Session
As you arrived at the radiation facility at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, you will proceed to check in. A radiation therapist will take you to a simulation room, and he or she will check your ID and take a photo for your electronic patient record. You will then be situated on a table in the position that will be used for your radiation therapy. Sometimes masks or body modes may be used to help keep you in position, and the therapists may make a small X with a permanent marker or give you a tattoo in the size of a freckle to help them place you into the correct position every day. In order to plan a safe and effective cancer treatment, your therapist may also take photos of your final position as another reference tool. Have a question? Get in touch with our experts at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center now! " ["post_title"]=> string(41) "Preparing for Simulation Planning Session" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(148) "UPMC CancerCenter provides careful Simulation Planning Session for patients. Learn more about the benefits and the procedures of a planning session." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(41) "preparing-for-simulation-planning-session" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(59) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=69591" ["menu_order"]=> int(682) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(153) "Plan to spend one to two hours at the facility. The Simulation Planning session is when your Radiation Oncology team maps out the treatment on your body." }Preparing for Simulation Planning Session
Plan to spend one to two hours at the facility. The Simulation Planning session is when your Radiation Oncology team maps out the treatment on your body.Read More
array(2) { ["medical_post"]=> object(WP_Post)#7233 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(71351) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2015-08-15 16:30:21" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2015-08-15 20:30:21" ["post_content"]=> string(881) "After your Simulation Planning Session at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, a dosimetrist will use the information collected to calculate the appropriate dosages of ionizing radiation you will receive. He or she will work with your radiation oncologist to formulate the best cancer treatment plan for you. This plan will also be evaluated and approved by a medical physicist and a radiation specialist. The medical physicist also often verifies your plan on the treatment machine. Planning and validation are critically important to your cancer treatment process, and it may take the team a week or two to complete your plan. Once your plan is thoroughly validated, a UPMC representative will call you to schedule a verification appointment. Have more questions? Contact us at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center today! " ["post_title"]=> string(51) "How is Your Cancer Treatment Planned and Validated?" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(152) "Discover how your cancer treatment planned after your simulation? A dosimetrist will use the information collected to calculate the appropriate dosages." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(50) "how-is-your-cancer-treatment-planned-and-validated" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(59) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=71351" ["menu_order"]=> int(661) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(138) "Before you start your radiation treatment, your Radiation Oncology team validates your treatment plan to make sure it is the best for you." }
How is Your Cancer Treatment Planned and Validated?
Before you start your radiation treatment, your Radiation Oncology team validates your treatment plan to make sure it is the best for you.Watch Now
array(2) { ["medical_post"]=> object(WP_Post)#7574 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(71361) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2015-08-14 16:47:46" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2015-08-14 20:47:46" ["post_content"]=> string(1611) "What is the Process of Your Set-up Day?
This is the last step in your cancer treatment preparation process. Depending upon which part of your body is receiving the radiation, we may ask you to put on a hospital gown and you will be able to keep your belongs in a locker. The radiation therapists will ask you a few questions to verify your identity. They will use your treatment plan in the electronic chart to explain the process and get you into position. The photos and tattoo marks from your previous simulation session are used to adjust you and the equipment to match your simulation. Once you are in place, the therapists will leave the room to take x-rays of your position. This is a practice run to check all the treatment parameters. The equipment will make a buzzing sound while taking x-rays. It may come close but will not touch you. Try to relax and breathe normally, our therapists are observing nearby and can see and hear you throughout the process. They will compare your x-rays with the simulation image to make sure your radiation treatment will be accurate. At this point, your cancer treatment plan has be simulated, validated, and verified by our specialist. Your treatment can then be proceed usually the next day. Don't forget to wear comfortable clothes for this important last step and arrive 15 minutes early! Contact our experts at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center to schedule an appointment for your set-up day! " ["post_title"]=> string(44) "Verification and Cancer Treatment Set-Up Day" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(126) "The set up day is the last step in your cancer treatment preparation process. Find out what to expect during this appointment." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(44) "verification-and-cancer-treatment-set-up-day" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(59) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=71361" ["menu_order"]=> int(662) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(103) "This is an important last step in the process before treatment begins. Think of this as a practice run." }
Verification and Cancer Treatment Set-Up Day
This is an important last step in the process before treatment begins. Think of this as a practice run.Watch Now
array(2) { ["medical_post"]=> object(WP_Post)#7580 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(71381) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2015-08-20 16:45:54" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2015-08-20 20:45:54" ["post_content"]=> string(640) "When your radiation therapy at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is complete, you will be given a follow-up appointment and discharge information. Your radiation oncologist, medical oncologist and referring physician will communicate to coordinate your follow-up care. It is important to meet with your doctor to learn as much as you can about supporting your health after your radiation therapy as it may lead to some side-effects. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at any time. " ["post_title"]=> string(39) "Radiation Therapy Follow-Up Appointment" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(151) "When your radiation therapy is complete, you will be given a follow-up appointment and discharge information. Learn about your radiation oncology team." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(39) "radiation-therapy-follow-up-appointment" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(59) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=71381" ["menu_order"]=> int(657) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(500) "Expect to be at your appointment for 45 minutes. Depending on the type of radiation treatment you and your doctor have agreed upon, your medical team will let you know what you can expect with each type. In most cases, you'll relax on a treatment table so that radiation can be aimed at the correct part of the body where it is supposed to be targeted. After you've received your radiation treatment, your doctor and/or medical team will let you know when it's okay to get up and go about your usual " }
Radiation Therapy Follow-Up Appointment
Expect to be at your appointment for 45 minutes. Depending on the type of radiation treatment you and your doctor have agreed upon, your medical team will let you know what you can expect with each type. In most cases, you’ll relax on a treatment table so that radiation can be aimed at the correct part of the body where it is supposed to be targeted. After you’ve received your radiation treatment, your doctor and/or medical team will let you know when it’s okay to get up and go about your usualWatch Now
array(2) { ["medical_post"]=> object(WP_Post)#7588 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(71401) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2015-08-17 16:58:44" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2015-08-17 20:58:44" ["post_content"]=> string(1901) "In selecting a treatment, the radiation team considers the type of cancer, its size and location in the body, how far into the body the radiation has to travel, your health and medical history and any other cancer treatments that you are receiving. Most patients receive external-beam radiation, which is radiation delivered from a machine outside of the body. Some patients receive other types of radiation therapy either alone or in combination with external beam treatments.What is Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)?
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) are a specialty form of radiation oncology at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, which is delivered using various types of machinery. SRS is a non-surgical procedure that delivers precisely focused radiation beams to tumors and other abnormal growths in the brain. The radiation beams are x-rays cannot be seen or felt, and are the same type of radiation that is used to take a chest x-ray or cat scan. For some of these procedures, vacuum bags are used to create and maintain an imprint that helps position patients during treatment. SRS treatment may be delivered in one to five sessions, which last from one to two hours each. A variety of advanced medical devices and positioning appliances are used for these treatments. Your radiation oncologist will decide what is most appropriate for you. For more information on SRS, please contact the Stereotactic Radiosurgery Program of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center " ["post_title"]=> string(34) "What Is Stereotactic Radiosurgery?" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(155) "Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) are a specialty form of radiation oncology at UPMC CancerCenter. Learn more." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(33) "what-is-stereotactic-radiosurgery" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(59) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=71401" ["menu_order"]=> int(659) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(121) "There are different types of radiation therapy. Here's what to expect if you will be receiving Stereotactic Radiosurgery." }
What Is Stereotactic Radiosurgery?
There are different types of radiation therapy. Here’s what to expect if you will be receiving Stereotactic Radiosurgery.Watch Now
array(2) { ["medical_post"]=> object(WP_Post)#7590 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(71671) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2015-08-19 16:55:53" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2015-08-19 20:55:53" ["post_content"]=> string(3313) "Most cancer patients receive external-beam radiation, which is radiation delivered from a machine outside of the body. Some patients receive brachytherapy, in which high dose radiation is placed inside the body directly to a tumor site for a short period of time. This treatment limits the dose of radiation given to nearby body organs and tissues.Before Brachytherapy Treatment
Your treatment may include placement of a stent in an operating room as an outpatient procedure. If so, you will receive medication to make you sleepy and comfortable. The stent usually remains in place until all brachytherapy treatments are complete. Sometimes an individually-fitted applicator is placed in the body prior to therapy to guide the radiation to the tumor site. Before each treatment you may be taken to a procedure room for examination and, if needed, a catheter will be placed in your bladder. An x-ray, CT scan, or MRI will be taken to confirm correct placement of the applicator. The radiology team will use the images to carefully plan treatment. It generally takes about an hour. During this time you can wait with your family. You may have limited mobility during this time.During Brachytherapy Treatment
When your plan is approved, you will be moved into a treatment room where a member of the radiation team will connect the applicator to the treatment unit. The therapy team will leave the room during therapy but will be able to see and hear you through an intercom and video camera. The treatment machine will send radiation through the applicator. You may hear noises and feel slight movement, but the treatment is painless. The radiation source will never come in contact with your body and you will not be radioactive after treatment.After Brachytherapy Treatment
For your safety, a handheld scanner may be used to confirm that therapy is complete. A member of the radiation team will remove your applicator and catheter in the treatment room. Before you leave, a nurse will review your discharge instructions with you.High Dose Brachytherapy Treatments Available
- Prostate brachytherapy (seed implants)
- Soft tissue
- Lung cancers
Gynecological Treatments
- Ring and tandem
- Vaginal cuff
- Tandem and cylinder
You Should Keep in Mind
- It is common to receive three to six treatments, each treatment will last about 15 minutes, though each visit may takes several hours
- You should bring someone with you as you will not be able to drive home
- You will be told how to prepare and what to bring to the procedure
Brachytherapy Treatment: What to Expect
Some patients receive brachytherapy, where high doses of radiation are placed inside the body.Watch Now
array(2) { ["medical_post"]=> object(WP_Post)#7592 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(71381) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2015-08-20 16:45:54" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2015-08-20 20:45:54" ["post_content"]=> string(640) "When your radiation therapy at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is complete, you will be given a follow-up appointment and discharge information. Your radiation oncologist, medical oncologist and referring physician will communicate to coordinate your follow-up care. It is important to meet with your doctor to learn as much as you can about supporting your health after your radiation therapy as it may lead to some side-effects. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at any time. " ["post_title"]=> string(39) "Radiation Therapy Follow-Up Appointment" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(151) "When your radiation therapy is complete, you will be given a follow-up appointment and discharge information. Learn about your radiation oncology team." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(39) "radiation-therapy-follow-up-appointment" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(59) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=71381" ["menu_order"]=> int(657) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(116) "Follow-up appointments help your cancer care team understand how you're feeling and continue to monitor your health." }
Radiation Therapy Follow-Up Appointment
Follow-up appointments help your cancer care team understand how you’re feeling and continue to monitor your health.Watch Now
array(2) { ["medical_post"]=> object(WP_Post)#7594 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(71391) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2015-08-16 17:05:25" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2015-08-16 21:05:25" ["post_content"]=> string(1926) "If you receive High Dose Brachytherapy using the Syed or Y applicator, you will stay in the hospital while you receive treatments twice a day for two to four days.RELATED: What to Expect During Brachytherapy Treatment
A member of the anesthesia department will talk with you before you go to the operating room to have the applicators inserted. Many patients choose to have an epidural catheter placed in their lower back to control pain throughout their hospital stay. After your applicators are put into place, you will go to the radiology department for a CT scan to adjust placement of the needles or applicators. As the team carefully plans your therapy, they may call for additional x-rays and adjustments. During therapy, the applicators are attached to the radiation treatment machine, which positions and removes the radioactive source. Although the therapists have to leave the room, they will be nearby and able to see and hear you. Between treatments, you are returned to your hospital room for bed rest and your mobility will be limited. Please feel free to ask nurses to help you adjust your position. You will not be radioactive and can be visited by family and friends. No matter what types of therapy you receive, rest assure that the radiation team is committed to provide safe, carefully targeted treatments for your cancers. For more information, please contact our experts at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. " ["post_title"]=> string(48) "Radiation Treatment through Syed or Y-Applicator" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(155) "What to expect from your Radiation Treatment through Syed or Y-Applicator? If you will receive High Dose Brachytherapy using the Syed or Y applicator, you." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(48) "radiation-treatment-through-syed-or-y-applicator" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(59) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=71391" ["menu_order"]=> int(660) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(114) "If you receive brachytherapy through Syed or Y-Applicator, you will have to remain in the hospital for a few days." }
Radiation Treatment through Syed or Y-Applicator
If you receive brachytherapy through Syed or Y-Applicator, you will have to remain in the hospital for a few days.Watch Now