Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses a controlled dose of radiation to kill cancer cells or damage them so they cannot grow, multiply or spread. If you are having radiation therapy, this information will help you understand how it works, what to expect during and after treatment, and how to manage side effects.

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What is radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy is a localised treatment, which means it generally affects only the area being treated. Get an overview of how radiation therapy works and how it is given.

Common questions about radiation therapy

Find answers to questions such as how to prepare for radiation therapy, what steps are involved, how much will it cost and which health professionals will you see?

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External beam radiation therapy (EBRT)

External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is the most common type of radiation therapy. It directs high-energy radiation beams at the cancer.

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is the most common type of internal radiation therapy. It is used to treat some types of cancer, including breast, cervical, prostate, uterine and vaginal.

Managing side effects

Find out about the common side effects of radiation therapy. We have practical tips for dealing with fatigue, hair loss, nausea, mouth sores, bowel changes and more.

Life after radiation therapy

How can you look after your physical and mental health once treatment is over?

Questions for your doctorAsking your doctor questions will help you make an informed choice. You may want to include some of the questions below in your own list.

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Treatment

Why do I need radiation therapy?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of radiation therapy for me?
How successful is radiation therapy for the type of cancer I have? Are there other treatments I could have instead?
What kind of radiation therapy will I have?
Will it be my only treatment, or will I have other treatments?
How long will treatment take? How will it be given?
Where can I have this treatment? Will I have to travel away from home?
Will I have radiation therapy as an inpatient or outpatient?
How will I know if the treatment is working?
Are there any out‑of‑pocket expenses? Can the cost be reduced if I can’t afford it? Can I be referred to a public treatment centre?
Are there clinical guidelines you are following?
Are there any clinical trials or research studies I could join?

Side effects

What are the risks and possible side effects of radiation therapy?
Will any side effects be long‑term or short‑term?
Will I be radioactive? Will my partner be affected?
Is it safe to have sex during the course of radiation therapy?
Will radiation therapy interact with any other medicines or vitamins I take?
Can I work, drive and do my normal activities while having treatment?
Are there any complementary therapies that might help me?
Should I change my diet or physical activity during or after treatment?
Who should I contact if I have a problem during treatment? Who is my after‑hours contact?

After treatment

How often will I need check-ups after treatment?
If the cancer returns, how will I know? What treatments could I have?

Find information on radiation therapy in nine different languages, including Chinese, Arabic, Vietnamese, Greek and more.

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This information was last updated in March 2024. See who reviewed this content.

A/Prof Susan Carroll, Senior Staff Specialist, Radiation Oncology, Royal North Shore Hospital, and The University of Sydney, NSW; Katie Benton, Advanced Dietitian Oncology, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, QLD; Adrian Gibbs, Director of Physics, Radiation Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital Raymond Terrace, QLD; Sinead Hanley, Consumer; Dr Annie Ho, Radiation Oncologist, GenesisCare, Macquarie University Hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital, NSW; Angelo Katsilis, Clinical Manager Radiation Therapist, Department of Radiation Oncology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA; Candice Kwet-On, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; Jasmine Nguyen, Radiation Therapist, GenesisCare Hollywood, WA; Graham Rees, Consumer; Nicole Shackleton, Radiation Therapist, GenesisCare Murdoch, WA; Dr Tom Shakespeare, Director, Cancer Services, Mid North Coast Local Health District, NSW; Gabrielle Vigar, Nurse Lead, Cancer Program, Royal Adelaide Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, SA.

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