There are many misconceptions about radiation therapy used to treat cancer and other disorders. Top Miami Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Mark Pomper uncovers the truth and explains what people can expect during their treatment to Health Specialist Marilyn Mitzel.
Among the biggest fears and often asked questions is, will radiation therapy give me cancer?
Here’s the truth according to Dr. Pomper, “Both radiation and chemotherapy can lead to secondary cancers that may or may not form many years after treatment. Fortunately, this is extremely rare. Chances of it happening are about 1-to-2-percent and the risk outweighs the benefit of treating the cancer.”
He adds, “In my 30 plus years as a radiation therapist, having treated thousands of patients I’ve never seen a secondary cancer occur from radiation therapy treatments, nor have any members of my highly experienced team. However if it doesn’t happen the secondary cancer can be treated and eliminated with another dose of radiation therapy."
Other Common Misconceptions About Radiation Therapy
Will I be radioactive?
"If your treatment is delivered using a radiation beam from outside the body - then no. When the radiation beam turns off, it is off. There is no radiation left inside of you and there is no risk of exposing the people around you to the side effects of radiation."
Will I lose my hair from radiation treatment?
"The side effects of radiation are determined by the part of the body that is receiving radiation. If radiation is being used to treat the brain or scalp, then hair loss is possible. This can be temporary or permanent depending on the amount of radiation required. For radiation treatments to the neck, men with facial hair may lose a portion of their facial hair. For patients receiving pelvic radiation, although there will be no loss of hair from your head, there may be some hair loss in the pubic region."
Will radiation make me sick?
"The side effects of radiation vary from patient to patient and depend on the area of the body being treated. A side effect that can occur regardless of the treatment site is fatigue. This can range from mild to more severe but it’s not very common with CyberKnife radiation therapy."
Will radiation burn me?
"Skin reaction is not common, however it can vary from mild redness, to more severe reactions such as pain and peeling of the skin. This typically resolves within a few weeks after completing treatment. Ointments can be applied to the skin during and after treatment to minimize these risks."
Can I work during treatment?
"Many patients are able to work during radiation treatment however, this is largely dependent upon whether chemotherapy is being given at the same time."
If you have any questions or fear about radiation therapy, don’t hesitate to give us a call at the CyberKnife Center Of Miami.
We’ve seen it all and understand cancer treatment can be very scary.
We promise to make your treatment plan as easy and quick as possible, with the least disruption to your life.
You can reach us at 305-279-2900.