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Radiation Therapy (Radiotherapy)

What to Bring, How to Prepare, and What to Expect

Radiation therapy is a highly precise treatment that targets cancer cells while protecting normal tissues as much as possible. The process has two main parts: Planning and Daily Treatment Sessions.

What to Bring (Checklist)

Medical documents

  • Biopsy / histopathology report (if done)
  • Current treatment notes (surgery/chemo summaries if already started)
  • Blood reports as advised (if any)
  • Discharge summaries (if admitted earlier)

Scans & imaging (very important)

  • CT / MRI / PET-CT reports and images (CD/pen drive/link if available)
  • Any earlier radiation details (if you had radiotherapy before)

Medicines & health info

  • List of current medicines + allergy details
  • Mention if you have:
    • Diabetes / BP / heart condition
    • Breathing issues
    • Any implants/devices (pacemaker, metal implants, stents)
    • Pregnancy (or possibility)

Practical

  • Photo ID
  • One attendant for the first planning visit (recommended)

How to Prepare (Before You Come)

Clothing & comfort

  • Wear comfortable, easy-to-change clothing
  • Avoid tight collars if head/neck radiation is planned
  • Avoid applying powder, creams, perfumes on the area to be treated on the day of planning (unless prescribed)

Food

  • Most planning appointments do not require fasting (unless you are told otherwise).
  • If your treatment area is abdomen/pelvis, you may be given specific bladder/bowel instructions.

Pain / anxiety

  • If you have pain or anxiety that may make it hard to lie still, tell the team in advance, so we can guide you.

PART A: Radiotherapy Planning (CT Simulation / Mask / Marking)

What to Expect During Planning (Step-by-Step)

  1. Radiation Oncologist consultation
    • The doctor reviews reports, examines you, and confirms the radiation plan: area, dose, and number of sessions.
  2. Consent + planning instructions
    • You may be counselled about benefits, common side effects, and precautions.
  3. CT Simulation (planning scan)
    • A special planning CT scan is done in the exact position you will be treated in.
  4. Immobilization (to keep you in the same position daily)
    • Depending on the site, you may need:
      • Mask (head/neck)
      • Vacuum bag / body mould (chest/abdomen/pelvis)
    • This is to ensure accuracy and repeatability.
  5. Marking / reference points
    • Small skin marks or reference points may be made for alignment.
    • Sometimes tiny tattoo dots are used (very small, for accuracy).
  6. Treatment planning by the physics team
    • A detailed plan is created and checked multiple times for safety and precision.
  7. Start date and schedule
    • Once the plan is finalized and approved, your start date and daily timing are shared.
  8. Typical planning timelines (Safe Range)
    • Planning appointment time: 30 to 90 minutes
    • Plan preparation: commonly 3 to 10 working days (depends on complexity)
(Planning may feel long, but it is done to protect normal organs and deliver accurate radiation.)

PART B: Daily Radiotherapy Sessions (Treatment Phase)

What to Expect During Daily Treatment (Step-by-Step)

  1. Daily check-in
    • You report at your scheduled time.
  2. Positioning and alignment
    • You are placed in the same position using the mask/mould.
    • The team aligns you carefully before treatment.
  3. Imaging verification (when required)
    • Quick images may be taken to confirm correct positioning.
  4. Treatment delivery
    • The machine moves around you; treatment is painless.
    • You do not feel radiation, and it does not make you “radioactive”.
  5. Completion and discharge
    • You can usually go home immediately after the session.

Typical daily time (Safe Range)

  • Total time per visit: 15 to 45 minutes
  • Actual beam-on time is usually shorter; most time is positioning and checks.

Weekly doctor review

  • Most patients have a weekly review to monitor side effects and update medicines/skin care.

Common Side Effects

(Varies by treatment area and dose; your doctor will explain what applies to you.)

Common and manageable

  • Tiredness/fatigue
  • Skin changes in treated area (redness, dryness, itching)
  • Reduced appetite

Site-specific examples

  • Head/neck: sore throat, mouth ulcers, dryness, taste changes
  • Chest: cough, swallowing discomfort
  • Abdomen/pelvis: loose motions, bladder irritation, cramps

Important: Side effects are monitored regularly. Most are manageable with timely care.

Simple Do’s & Don’ts During Radiotherapy

Do

  • Come on time for sessions (regularity matters)
  • Drink fluids and eat as per diet guidance
  • Use only the creams/lotions recommended by your team on treated skin
  • Tell the team early if you have pain, fever, mouth sores, vomiting, diarrhoea, or worsening symptoms

Don’t

  • Don’t apply random creams/perfumes/powders on treated skin without asking
  • Don’t scrub treated skin; avoid hot water directly on the area
  • Don’t miss sessions unless medically advised (if you must, inform us immediately)

When to Contact Us Immediately / Come to Casualty

  • High fever, severe weakness
  • Severe dehydration (not able to eat/drink)
  • Uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhoea
  • Breathing difficulty or chest pain
  • Bleeding, severe pain, or sudden swelling

Disclaimer

Radiotherapy schedules and preparation instructions may differ based on the cancer site, machine protocol, and your clinical condition. Your centre team will confirm exact instructions and timelines.

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