The side effects of radiation therapy depend on the part of the body being treated, the radiation dose and the number of treatments you need. Your treatment team will tell you the likely effects for you. It can be hard to know how to prepare, but several issues are worth thinking about in advance.
 |
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. |
 |
Explore ways to relaxRead a book or listen to music while you wait, ask a friend or family member to keep you company, or try chatting to other people waiting for treatment. To help you relax during the session, try breathing exercises or meditation, or ask the radiation therapists if you can listen to music. |
 |
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 CanDo or GatherMyCrew. |
 |
Consider quittingIf you smoke, it is important to stop smoking before starting treatment. Smoking may mean the treatment doesn’t work as well and it can make side effects worse. If you need support to quit smoking, talk to your doctor, call the Quitline on 13 7848 or visit iCanQuit. |
 |
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. |
 |
Arrange transport and accommodationPlan how you will get to radiation therapy sessions. If travelling by car, ask about parking. You are likely to feel more tired as the treatment goes on, so arrange for someone to drive you. If you have to travel a long way for radiation therapy, you may be eligible for financial assistance to help cover the cost of travel or accommodation. Your local Cancer Council may also provide accommodation services. Call Cancer Council 13 11 20 to find out if there is a transport to treatment service or accommodation service in your area and how to access patient travel assistance. |
 |
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. |
Mention medical implantsLet your treatment team know if you have any medical devices in your body. This may be a pacemaker, cochlear implant or metal implant, such as 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
Prof June Corry, Radiation Oncologist, GenesisCare, St Vincent’s Hospital, VIC; Prof Bryan Burmeister, Senior Radiation Oncologist, GenesisCare Fraser Coast, Hervey Bay Hospital, and The University of Queensland, QLD; Sandra Donaldson, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Jane Freeman, Accredited Practising Dietitian (Cancer specialist), Canutrition, NSW; Sinead Hanley, Consumer; David Jolly, Senior Medical Physicist, Icon Cancer Centre Richmond, VIC; Christine Kitto, Consumer; A/Prof Grace Kong, Nuclear Medicine Physician, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; A/Prof Sasha Senthi, Radiation Oncologist, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, VIC; John Spurr, Consumer; Chris Twyford, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Radiation Oncology, Cancer Rapid Assessment Unit and Outpatients, Canberra Hospital, ACT; Gabrielle Vigar, Nurse Unit Manager, Radiation Oncology/Cancer Outpatients, Cancer Program, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
Need to talk?
Support services
Coping with cancer?
Speak to a health professional or to someone who has been there, or find a support group or forum
Need legal and financial assistance?
Pro bono services, financial and legal assistance, and no interest loans
Cancer information
Making cancer treatment decisions
Decision-making steps, consent and second opinions
Patient rights and responsibilities
What you can reasonably expect from your health care professionals