When you find out you have cancer, you most likely have questions about treatment.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It can also affect healthy cells nearby and cause side effects that depend on:
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What type of radiation therapy is done
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What part of your body receives the radiation
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How long your treatment lasts
Getting support
You are not facing cancer treatment alone. Keep a list of any questions you have for your radiation therapy team. Ask these questions during your visits. Call your team if you need to.
You can also get help from:
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Family members
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Friends
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Support groups (in person or online)
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Counseling
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Social workers, case managers, or navigators
Talk with your healthcare team if you need a referral to counseling.
Cancer resources
To learn more about cancer and to find support groups, contact the resources below:
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American Cancer Society at ww.cancer.org or 800-227-2345
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National Cancer Institute at ww.cancer.gov or 800-422-6237
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American Society for Radiation Oncology at www.rtanswers.org or 703-502-1550
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American Society of Clinical Oncology at www.cancer.net or 888-651-3038
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