External beam therapy is a common cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. A large machine aims radiation at the cancer and the machine moves around the patient without touching them. It doesn't hurt, doesn't make the patient radioactive and it can't be seen, felt, or smelled.
At low doses, radiation is used as an x-ray to take pictures inside someone’s body. In cancer treatment, higher doses of radiation are used to destroy cancer cells. The radiation that destroys cancer cells also injures nearby healthy cells. This is why some people may have some side effects.
The length of treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer. Most treatments take 2 to 10 weeks. Most people get treatment once a day for 5 days in a row. Treatment usually happens on Monday through Friday. Sometimes, people get treatment twice in 1 day. Most treatment visits last for 30 minutes to 1 hour. The treatment of radiation may only be for 1 to 5 minutes, but patients may be in the treatment room for 15 to 30 minutes. The visit may be longer if other tests are being done.
Contact Us
For more information on External Beam Therapy at St. Joseph's Hospital, please call 602-406-ONC1 or toll-free 1-877-602-4111.
