What is radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy, or radiation therapy, is the use of radiation to safely treat and manage cancer. Radiation oncologists and Radiotherapists use radiation to eradicate cancer cells, reduce their growth or relieve symptoms of cancer.
Radiotherapy treats cancer by damaging cancer cells while limiting the impact to healthy cells. It works because cancer cells are more sensitive to radiation than healthy, normal cells. When a small dose of radiation is given each day over several weeks, normal cells can recover from the radiation, but cancer cells cannot.
Radiotherapy is typically a painless treatment, similar to having an x-ray, and is only delivered to the part of the body being treated.
Download your free cancer diagnosis checklist
Be more informed and play an active role in your own cancer care.
Your first day of radiotherapy
In this video, Rachael and Paul walk you through their experience starting radiotherapy treatment including some side effects they experienced (side effects at 4 minutes 38 seconds).
What are the side effects of radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy treatment is unique to each person and can affect the body in different ways. The most common side effect is fatigue, a feeling of exhaustion or lack of energy. Some people may also experience bowel or bladder irritation as they progress through treatment.
As radiation is targeted to a specific area of the body, other side effects are often contained to the area being treated. Site-specific effects may include skin irritation (redness, dryness, itching, peeling or blistering), pain, swelling and hair loss in the area being treated.
The below table provides examples of other side effects some people may experience, depending on the area being treated.
Radiotherapy (Radiation Therapy) Side Effect | Treatment Site |
|---|---|
Nausea and vomiting | Abdomen |
Difficulty swallowing | Throat or oesophagus |
Loss of taste, dry mouth, oral thrush, mouth ulcers | Head and neck |
Female fertility | Abdomen, pelvis or pituitary gland |
Male fertility | Pelvis or testes |
Erectile function | Pelvis |
How long do side effects last?
Although most radiation therapy side effects are temporary and resolve after treatment has finished, there is a possibility that long-term effects may occur. Your radiation oncologist and treatment team will discuss the type of side effects you may experience before your treatment begins.
Once you have commenced treatment, it's important to let your treating team know of any effects you notice, and those that are making you uncomfortable. At Icon Cancer Centre, your comfort is a priority; we are always there to help find ways to manage any side effects you experience.
How much does radiotherapy cost?
As your radiation therapy treatment is unique to you and your clinical circumstances, a consultation is usually required to give a single and accurate answer to this question.
Radiation oncology is funded by Medicare with up to 90% of the fee covered by Medicare including from the Medicare Safety Nets. This means out of pocket cost may be as little as 10% of the total cost to receive radiation therapy at a private centre such as Icon Cancer Centre, depending on your circumstances.
Importantly, regardless of whether you choose to receive public or private treatment, no private health insurance is required for valid Medicare card holders to receive radiation therapy in Australia.
For more information about the cost of radiation therapy treatment at Icon, reach out to our team at your nearest Icon Cancer Centre.
How is radiotherapy delivered?
Radiotherapy treatment can be delivered on its own, or in combination with other forms of treatment, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy and surgery. It's commonly undertaken as an outpatient service—these are medical services that do not require hospital admission.
At Icon, we use cutting-edge radiotherapy techniques and technology to deliver pinpoint accurate radiation to the tumour. Our technology and expertise allow us to accurately treat all cancer types of various sizes and locations.
How long does radiation treatment take?
Treatment is usually given in daily intervals (Monday to Friday) over several weeks, allowing enough radiation to target cancer cells while providing healthy cells enough time to recuperate. A radiation therapy treatment session may only last 15 to 20 minutes.
A single course of radiation therapy is unique to each person and their condition. This includes the site and stage of the disease, type of disease, a person’s age and general health.
Common radiotherapy techniques
Frequently asked questions
Other helpful resources
Find compassionate, expert cancer care close to home.
Our experienced doctors are here to support you with personalised care and access to the latest treatment options.
At Icon, you can feel confident knowing you’re in trusted hands every step of the way.
Become a patient
Find out how to become a patient at Icon Cancer Centre, or request more information from your nearest centre.
Enquire today
Download Your Guide: Preparing for Cancer Treatment
This free guide provides information and advice to help you prepare for and manager your cancer treatment.
Learn more
Understanding treatment costs
We work with you to ensure you're aware of any out-of-pocket expenses and make sure there are no surprises throughout your treatment.
Learn more
Starting radiation therapy
At Icon, we believe in a personal approach to radiation therapy. This means that you will receive a personalised radiation therapy plan for your specific needs.
Learn more