What to Expect From Radiation Therapy

Patients referred for radiation therapy often have many questions. Radiation therapy, while potentially intimidating, is a precise and effective treatment that focuses on targeting cancer cells while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.

Below, we’ll share what to expect from radiation treatment, including the impact your course of treatment will have on your schedule, physical health, and mental health.

Schedule Impacts

How long does radiation treatment take? For most patients, radiation treatment will take several weeks, with treatments occurring up to 5 times per week. Our team will take your normal schedule into account and ensure that your appointments are as convenient as possible—our goal is to make sure you can continue to live your life as normally as possible during this time!

Each treatment session will take between 15-30 minutes. Our offices are conveniently located in Evansville, allowing you to fit in your appointments around your current lifestyle and commitments. Visit our Location page to get directions and learn more about nearby coffee shops, restaurants, and other activities.

Physical Health Impacts

How will radiation therapy impact your physical health? While most patients will receive highly targeted radiation doses aimed to avoid healthy tissue, some side effects are normal. Which side effects patients will experience depends on the area of the body being targeted. For instance, patients being treated for head & neck cancers will have different side effects than those being treated for lung cancer.

Our care team is dedicated to providing comprehensive education tailored to your specific treatment plan, ensuring you are well-prepared to manage any side effects, should they occur. This education includes personalized recommendations, such as skin care routines or dietary adjustments, aimed at minimizing, preventing, or reducing potential side effects.

Understanding that each patient’s experience is unique, we develop individualized education plans that address your specific needs and concerns. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, and we encourage you to ask any questions you may have to ensure you feel confident and informed throughout your treatment journey.

Mental Health Impacts

Radiation therapy is not just a physical journey; it’s an emotional and psychological one as well. The mental health impacts can be significant, with many patients experiencing stress, anxiety, and fatigue. The emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis, coupled with the demands of a treatment schedule, can lead to feelings of overwhelm and uncertainty.

It’s important to recognize that these feelings are normal and that everyone’s experience is different. While some may find the process mentally taxing, others might feel resilient and hopeful. Our care team is committed to providing resources and support to help you navigate these emotions. From counseling services to support groups, we offer various avenues to bolster your mental well-being.

Strategies such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and gentle physical activities like yoga or walking can be beneficial in managing stress and promoting a sense of calm. Engaging in hobbies or activities that bring joy and fulfillment can also help maintain a positive outlook.

Remember, mental health is a crucial aspect of your overall well-being during treatment. If you find that anxiety or emotional fatigue is impacting your daily life, please reach out to your care team. We are here to listen, provide guidance, and tailor support to your unique needs, ensuring you have the tools to cope effectively and maintain your quality of life throughout your radiation therapy journey.

Our Cancer Care Technologies

We treat patients using proven technologies in radiation oncology, including TrueBeam®, Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), RapidArc®, Brachytherapy, and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). Click below to learn about each of our cancer care technologies.