About radiation therapy

Radiation therapy (RT) kills cancer cells.3,4 It’s precisely targeted and intended to cause less damage to the surrounding healthy cells near the cancer.3,4 It can also be used to relieve pain and discomfort from cancer that has spread.3

In Australia it has been recognised that approximately 50% of cancer patients could benefit from radiation therapy.5 About 1 in 4 Australian patients will be treated with radiation therapy, during their cancer treatment journey.6

Radiation oncology as a specialist cancer treatment first started being used in Australia in the early 1900’s, with what would be regarded today as producing satisfactory results.7 In the past couple of decades technology has played an integral role in the evolution of the radiation therapy journey including simulation, planning, and treatment delivery, with improvements in the accuracy of delivery, quicker treatment durations, and efficiency.8

Radiation therapy at GenesisCare

We are experts in cancer care and specialists in radiation oncology. We invest early in modern, evidence-based treatments and technologies so we can offer all of our patients a convenient and connected service experience. With 43 sites across Australia, the quality of our care is the same in regional communities as in metropolitan areas. Many of our doctors attend multi-disciplinary team meetings (MDTs) in their local area, discussing patient cases with specialists from different fields so most patients, particularly those presenting with complex conditions, can benefit from multi-disciplinary care.

What is radiation therapy?

Helpful additional Information

If you have any unanswered questions and would like further information, please head to the Targeting Cancer website for details about radiation therapy, or contact a member of the GenesisCare treatment team, via a centre near you.

Radiation therapy techniques

There are two main types of radiation therapy techniques; external, where radiation is delivered from a machine and internal; where a medicine or even small steel “seeds” are inserted into the body to the cancer site.2,9 The most common form of internal radiation therapy is called brachytherapy.3

External beam radiation therapy represents the most common form of therapeutic radiation. It is delivered by a machine called a linear accelerator (linac), from the outside of the patient, and is usually delivered in intervals called ‘fractions’.2,3,9 This allows time between treatments for the healthy cells to repair and the cancer cells to die off.2

There are a number of different radiation therapy techniques used in Australia, developed to help treat different body sites.3 To learn more about some of the commonly used techniques we have created the below table aimed to help educate you about radiation therapy.

The type of radiation therapy technique recommended to treat cancer can vary based on factors including the type and grade of cancer, general health, age and individual preferences of each patient.3

The information provided in the below should not be used as a substitute for that recommended by a healthcare professional.

Treatment techniques comparison

Select the treatment technique below to read more.

Radiation therapy steps

Potential side-effects

All cancer treatments may have side effects, yet the type and severity of side effects will vary between individuals.9 Patients can ask their treating doctor for detailed information about potential side effects which may be experienced with treatment recommended.

Recommendations for staying well during treatment:

  • Get as much rest as possible44,45
  • Aim for a wholefood, varied diet, and we also encourage thinking about eating foods that interest a patient rather than what they think they should eat44
  • Appetite changes are common, and this may include taste changes or nausea. A suggestion to help manage this is to eat small, frequent snacks and avoid smells that can bring on a feeling of nausea.44
  • Drink lots of water44
  • Reach out to support groups and others who have had cancer treatment45
  • Recording any side effects in a diary or journal46
  • Speaking to the treating doctor about incorporating some gentle exercise into the weekly routine44,45
  • It is important to acknowledge when feeling fatigued and to rest when needed44,45