Support
Articles that provide support for people who are having (or had) treatment with radiation therapy.
Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite is when you do not feel hungry, or you have no desire or interest in eating. This can be a side effect of some treatments for cancer or from the cancer itself. This handout offers tips for coping with a loss of appetite from cancer and cancer therapy.
Nutrition During Cancer Treatment
Respiratory Gating
An overview of respiratory gating, which includes certain breathing techniques used during radiation therapy. The most common types of respiratory gating are discussed.
Radiation Therapy Immobilization Devices
Immobilization devices are tools used to help you stay in the same position for all of your radiation treatments. In this article, we will discuss some of the commonly used custom and universal immobilization devices.
Radiation Therapy Thermoplastic Mask
If your treatment plan includes radiation therapy to your head, neck, or brain then you will likely need a thermoplastic mask for treatment. This article explains how the mask is made to fit your head and face for use during treatment.
Claustrophobia and Anxiety With Mask Use for Radiation Therapy
Claustrophobia and anxiety are common issues when a patient is receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancers. This article provides ways to help manage claustrophobia and anxiety.
Fractionation and Radiation
Fractionation is the way your radiation therapy dose is divided up into many small doses called fractions.
Radiation Therapy Tattoos
In this article, we will use pictures to explain the tattooing process. Tattoos allow your radiation treatment team to get you in the exact same position every day for treatment. Tattoos are small permanent marks given on the skin.
Fiducial Markers for Radiation Therapy
Fiducial markers are used to ensure that radiation is delivered to the tumor instead of the nearby healthy tissue. This article will describe how you can prepare for the fiducial marker procedure and what you can expect during and after the procedure.
Self-Help During Radiation Treatment
Skin Care During Radiation Therapy
Information about caring for your skin during radiation treatment.
Supplement Use During Radiation Therapy
Many cancer patients take supplements for a variety of reasons. However, some supplements can interfere with your cancer treatment. This article will help guide you regarding the use of supplements and the importance of notifying your provider of all over the counter medications, supplements, and vitamins that you are taking.
General Anesthesia for Pediatric Radiation Oncology
This article provides an overview of general anesthesia in pediatric radiation treatment.
Resources for More Information: Radiation Therapy
The Internet can be a valuable resource for a patient who wants to find out more information about their disease and treatment. The websites listed below offer up to date information and resources.