When you find out you have cancer, you most likely have questions about treatment.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It can also affect healthy cells nearby and cause side effects that depend on:
- What type of radiation therapy is done.
- What part of your body receives the radiation.
- How long your treatment lasts.
Getting support
You are not facing cancer treatment alone. Keep a list of any questions you have for your radiation therapy team. Ask these questions during your visits. Contact your team if you need to.
You can also get help from:
- Family members.
- Friends.
- Support groups (in person or online).
- Counseling.
- Social workers, case managers, or navigators.
Talk with your health care team if you need a referral to counseling.
Cancer resources
To learn more about cancer and to find support groups, contact the resources below:
- American Cancer Society at ww.cancer.org or 800-227-2345
- National Cancer Institute at ww.cancer.gov or 800-422-6237
- American Society for Radiation Oncology at www.rtanswers.org or 703-502-1550
- American Society of Clinical Oncology at www.cancer.net or 888-651-3038
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