Skip to content
Radiotherapy Step by Stepالعربية

Handout: Radiotherapy FAQ

Radiotherapy Step by Step — Designed for radiation oncologists to use in clinic

Here are the questions patients and families ask most. Our answers are general education — your doctor remains the reference for the details of your case.

Is radiotherapy painful?

  • The session itself is completely painless, just like having an X-ray. Local side effects (such as skin irritation) may appear later and can be managed.

Will I become radioactive and harm my family?

  • With external beam radiotherapy, no radiation remains in your body after the session, and you can usually be around children and pregnant people safely. If your treatment is internal or uses radioactive medicine, your team will give you special instructions.

How long does each session take?

  • Usually 10–30 minutes, most of it spent positioning you precisely. The actual beam is only a few minutes.

How many sessions will I need?

  • The number varies widely by treatment type, goal, and site — from a single session to several weeks. Only your doctor sets the right number for your case. Session count is not a measure of disease severity.

Can I drive and work during treatment?

  • External beam radiotherapy does not leave radiation in your body after the session, and most patients can continue many of their daily activities. Driving and work, however, depend on your condition, the treatment site, your symptoms, and your medications. Some situations — such as brain tumors, seizures, dizziness, visual symptoms, weakness, or sedating medications — can affect driving. Fatigue may also build up gradually, so you may need to adjust your pace. Ask your treatment team what is right for your situation.

Will I lose my hair?

  • Only in the treated area. Head treatment may affect scalp hair, but chest or pelvic treatment does not affect scalp hair at all.

Can I fast or pray during treatment?

  • Many patients continue their worship normally. Fasting depends on your condition and your nutrition and hydration during treatment — discuss it with your doctor for guidance suited to you.

What if I miss a session?

  • Tell your team immediately. A missed session is usually made up by adding it at the end, but it is important to keep the team informed to manage your schedule safely.

Can I continue my medications and supplements?

  • Tell your doctor about everything you take, including herbs, supplements, and antioxidants, as some may interfere with treatment. Do not stop or start any medication without consulting your team.

When will I know if the treatment worked?

  • Assessing tumor response takes time — often weeks to months — through examination and imaging at follow-up visits. Patience here is part of the normal course.