What does radiotherapy treat?

Radiotherapy may aim to cure a cancer, shrink it before surgery, reduce the chance of local return after surgery, or ease symptoms caused by a tumour. The beam can be directed from outside the body, or a radioactive source may be placed close to the tumour for some treatments.

Examples include ductal carcinoma in situ, womb cancer, anal cancer, basal cell carcinoma, Ewing sarcoma, and selected prostate cancers. The dose, treatment area, and schedule depend on the cancer type, location, size, and whether it has spread. A treatment plan is individualised rather than chosen from the diagnosis name alone.

Ask the oncology team what the treatment is intended to achieve and which body area will be treated. Tell them about previous radiotherapy, implanted devices, pregnancy possibility, medicines, and other health conditions. Ask how skin, energy, bowel, bladder, or swallowing changes will be managed if those areas are near the treatment field.

During treatment, contact the team for fever, rapidly worsening pain, new neurological symptoms, severe dehydration, uncontrolled vomiting, or skin damage that is worsening quickly. New bleeding, breathlessness, or difficulty swallowing can also need prompt review, depending on the treated area.

Is radiotherapy being used to cure, control, or relieve symptoms? What organs are near the treatment area? What side effects should I report immediately, and what follow-up will I need?