- What is radiation therapy? When is it used?
- How does radiation therapy work?
- Do the benefits of radiation therapy outweigh the risks and side effects?
- How much does radiation treatment cost?
- Who gives radiation treatments?
- Informed consent for radiation therapy
- How is radiation therapy given?
- External radiation therapy
- Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy)
- Systemic radiation therapy
- Preventing and managing side effects of radiation therapy
- Common side effects of radiation therapy
- Long-term side effects of radiation therapy
- Managing side effects of radiation treatment to certain parts of the body
- Radiation therapy to the head and neck
- Radiation therapy to the brain
- Radiation therapy to the breast
- Radiation therapy to the chest
- Radiation therapy to the stomach and abdomen
- Radiation therapy to the pelvis
- Follow-up care after radiation therapy
- Radiation therapy glossary
- To learn more
To learn more
More information from your American Cancer Society
The following related information may also be helpful to you. These materials may be ordered from our toll-free number at 1-800-227-2345 or read on our website at www.cancer.org.
Talking about and coping with cancer
After Diagnosis: A Guide for Patients and Families (also in Spanish)
Helping Children When a Family Member Has Cancer: Dealing With Treatment (also in Spanish)
Talking With Your Doctor (also in Spanish)
More on radiation treatment
Radiation Therapy Principles (also in Spanish)
More on radiation side effects
Fertility and Women With Cancer (also in Spanish)
Fertility and Men With Cancer (also in Spanish)
Guide to Controlling Cancer Pain (also in Spanish)
Sexuality for the Man With Cancer (also in Spanish)
Sexuality for the Woman With Cancer (also in Spanish)
Nutrition for the Person With Cancer: A Guide for Patients and Families (also in Spanish)
Nutrition for Children With Cancer (also in Spanish)
Lymphedema: What Every Woman With Breast Cancer Should Know (also in Spanish)
Other cancer treatments
Understanding Cancer Surgery: A Guide for Patients and Families (also in Spanish)
A Guide to Chemotherapy (also in Spanish)
Clinical Trials: What You Need to Know (also in Spanish)
Complementary and Alternative Methods and Cancer (also in Spanish)
Work and finance information
Health Insurance and Financial Assistance for the Cancer Patient (also in Spanish)
In Treatment: Financial Guidance for Cancer Survivors and Their Families (also in Spanish)
Americans With Disabilities Act: Information for People Facing Cancer (also in Spanish)
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (also in Spanish)
What Is COBRA? (also in Spanish)
Your American Cancer Society also has books that you might find helpful. Call us at 1-800-227-2345 or visit our bookstore online at www.cancer.org/bookstore to find out about costs or to place an order.
National organizations and websites*
Along with the American Cancer Society, other sources of information and support include:
American College of Radiology (ACR)
Toll-free number: 1-800-227-5463
The website has information on radiology procedures, radiation safety, FAQs, and a radiology glossary. It also offers a listing of accredited treatment facilities.
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)
Toll-free number: 1-800-962-7876
Online brochures on radiation therapy are available, as is a locator to find registered radiation oncologists
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Toll-free number: 1-800-422-6237 (1-800-4-CANCER)
The website includes accurate, up-to-date information about cancer for patients, their families, and the general public that covers a variety of cancer-related topics. It also provides clinical trial information and a matching service for patients.
No matter who you are, we can help. Contact us anytime, day or night, for cancer-related information and support. Call us at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org. We want to help you get well.
Last Medical Review: 05/02/2014
Last Revised: 05/02/2014