While there is increasing concern about the dangers of radiation, doctors now have great experience in its use in medicine, and, when used properly, the risks are small and are greatly outweighed by the benefits. Although radiotherapy uses stronger rays than those used for taking pictures it feels no different and is painless. Many people with cancer will have radiotherapy as part of their treatment. Radiotherapy works by destroying the cancer cells in the treated area. Although normal cells are also affected, they can repair themselves more effectively.
Fractionation ensures that less damage is done to normal cells than to cancer cells.
The number of treatments you have depends on several factors, including your general health, the site and type of cancer being treated and whether or not you have received, or are going to receive, surgery or chemotherapy as part of your treatment. For this reason, treatment is planned for each patient individually, and even those with the same type of cancer may receive different treatments. External radiotherapy does not make you radioactive, and it is perfectly safe for you to be with other people, including children, throughout your treatment. If you have internal radiotherapy, you will have to stay in hospital and some special precautions will have to be taken while the radioactive source is in place. Once the treatment is over there will be no danger to your family or friends.