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?
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