Dear Iris: Radiation – Separating Fact from Online Fiction
Dear Iris,
I am getting ready to start external radiation. I’ve read so much information online and it seems like there are many different types of precautions to take and side effects to expect. So confusing! What should I expect? Do I need to follow any rules to keep my family safe?
N
Dear N,
There's a lot of information on the internet about radiation and it can be hard to decipher what’s real and what's not. Radiation treatment plans are tailored specifically for each patient using information such as cancer diagnosis, previous medical history, previous history of radiation treatments, and more.
Radiation treatments are typically administered once or twice a day, up to five times a week. The specific duration and frequency of your treatments will be determined by the treatment plan your radiation oncologist has put together for you.
External beam radiation does not make you radioactive, allowing you to continue your normal activities without any additional precautions to protect your loved ones. However, other forms of radiation treatment, such as seeds or pills used in internal radiation, do require special precautions. Your radiation oncologist will provide detailed guidance if you receive internal radiation treatment.
Side effects from radiation treatment can vary depending on the area of the body being treated. You may experience localized side effects specific to the treated region. Common side effects include:
Skin changes, such as redness, irritation, and blistering
Fatigue
Hair loss or thinning, depending on the location of radiation
Lymphedema or localized swelling
It's important to discuss with your oncologist which side effects you should monitor during your treatment.
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Jessica Suarez, BSN, RN, OCN
Senior Oncology RN
Iris Oncology
After working in various specialties throughout her career as a nurse, oncology holds a dear place in Jessica Suarez’s heart. Having supported family members and friends through cancer care has greatly impacted her desire to serve this specific population. Jessica has significant clinical experience working with head and neck, esophageal, and lung cancers and is passionate about working with patients to identify barriers or gaps in care and empowering them with the tools necessary to overcome them.
This article meets Iris standards for medical accuracy. It has been fact-checked by the Iris Clinical Editorial Board, our team of oncology experts who ensure that the content is evidence based and up to date. The Iris Clinical Editorial Board includes board-certified oncologists and pharmacists, psychologists, advanced practice providers, licensed clinical social workers, oncology-certified nurses, and dietitians.
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