Radiation therapy affects everyone differently, so it can be hard to know how to prepare for treatment. The suggestions below may help you cope with radiation therapy. You can also talk to the social worker at the treatment centre to find out what support is available.
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Ask about fertilitySome types of radiation therapy affect fertility. If you think you may want to have children in the future, talk to your treatment team about your options before radiation therapy begins. |
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Explore ways to relaxWhile you wait for treatment, read a book or listen to music, ask a friend or family member to keep you company, or try chatting to other people. To help you relax during the session, try breathing exercises or meditation. You could also listen to music or our relaxation and meditation podcast Finding Calm During Cancer. |
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Organise help at homeSupport with housework and cooking can ease the load. If you have young children, arrange for someone to look after them during radiation therapy sessions. Older children may need someone to drive them to and from school and activities. Ask a friend or family member to coordinate offers of help, or use an online tool such as GatherMyCrew. |
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Look after yourselfTry to eat nourishing food, drink lots of water, limit the amount of alcohol you drink, get enough sleep, and balance rest and physical activity. Regular exercise and good nutrition can help reduce some of the side effects of radiation therapy. |
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Consider quittingIf you smoke or vape, it is important to stop before starting treatment. Smoking or vaping may affect how well the treatment works and may make side effects worse. If you need support to quit, talk to your doctor or call the Quitline on 13 7848. |
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Discuss your concernsKeep a list of questions and add to it whenever you think of a new question. If you are feeling anxious about having radiation therapy, talk to the treatment team, your GP, a family member or friend, or call Cancer Council 13 11 20. |
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Check other medicinesSome over‑the‑counter medicines, alternative and home remedies, herbs, vitamins and creams can affect how radiation therapy works and increase skin reactions. Ask your radiation oncologist whether you need to stop taking or using any herbs, creams or supplements before treatment. |
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Check your teethIf you are having radiation therapy for a cancer in the head and neck region, visit your dentist for a check-up before radiation therapy begins. The dentist can check for any teeth that may cause an infection and advise if they need to be removed before you start treatment. |
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Arrange transport and accommodationPlan how you will get to radiation therapy sessions. If travelling by car, ask about parking. If you feel tired as the treatment goes on, you may want to arrange for someone to drive you. If you have to travel a long way for treatment, you may be eligible for financial assistance to help cover the cost of travel or accommodation. A social worker can help you apply or you can call Cancer Council 13 11 20 for more information. |
Mention medical implantsLet your treatment team know if you have any medical devices in your body. This may be a pacemaker, cochlear implant, or a hip or knee replacement. Radiation therapy can affect these devices or be affected by them. |
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
More resources
A/Prof Susan Carroll, Senior Staff Specialist, Radiation Oncology, Royal North Shore Hospital, and The University of Sydney, NSW; Katie Benton, Advanced Dietitian Oncology, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, QLD; Adrian Gibbs, Director of Physics, Radiation Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital Raymond Terrace, QLD; Sinead Hanley, Consumer; Dr Annie Ho, Radiation Oncologist, GenesisCare, Macquarie University Hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital, NSW; Angelo Katsilis, Clinical Manager Radiation Therapist, Department of Radiation Oncology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA; Candice Kwet-On, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; Jasmine Nguyen, Radiation Therapist, GenesisCare Hollywood, WA; Graham Rees, Consumer; Nicole Shackleton, Radiation Therapist, GenesisCare Murdoch, WA; Dr Tom Shakespeare, Director, Cancer Services, Mid North Coast Local Health District, NSW; Gabrielle Vigar, Nurse Lead, Cancer Program, Royal Adelaide Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, SA.
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